Tokyo hosted an international conference to strengthen global cooperation between cities on hydrogen energy Hydrogen Energy Conferencefor Action (HENCA-Tokyo 2023), hosted by the Tokyo Government.

Ms. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, said that hydrogen energy is one of the keys to energy security and decarbonisation.

“One key for achieving energy security and decarbonization is hydrogen energy. Hydrogen project have also started around the world and the utilization of hydrogen is accelerating. If we take this opportunity to share our knowledge, we can help establish hydrogen as a major source of power in the future,” she said.

The conference was attended by dignitaries from India and the UAE.

Ms. Muna Ahmed Akamoodi, Director of the Climate Change Department, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates, said, “As the host nation of COP28 we believe in the power of the partnership and inclusivity, because the climate change is a challenge that would affect us all. We must explore all pathways in combating the climate change.”

COP is the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

“Earlier this year the UAE cabinet announced the new national energy strategy in which the hydrogen will play a key role in the total energy mix. With that new announcement there was also a new national hydrogen strategy, which was aiming to support low carbon local industries and contribute into achieving the net zero of the nation.” she added.

Mr. Shihab Ahmeb Alfaheem, Ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Japan mentioned that hydrogen has the potential to play an important role in the global transition to a clean energy future.

“The UAE has developed a comprehensive hydrogen plan to develop domestic hydrogen industry. The plan aims to make the UAE a global leader in hydrogen production and export. In just two weeks’ time the UAE will host COP28, which we believe is one of the most important COPs due to the fact that it will be the first time we have global stocktake after the Paris Agreements of 2015. This will be the time when we come and assess ourselves on the track to meet the global climate change within 2 degrees, preferably 1,5 degrees, compared to preindustrial level,” he said.

The panel discussion on “Importance, Prospects and Efforts to Expand Hydrogen Utilisation” was addressed by Mr. Sibi George, Ambassador of India to Japan.

“Indian unwavering commitment to its climate goals is focused on achieving net zero by 2070. India achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity goal 9 years ahead of the schedule and has set a higher target of 50 per cent by 2030,” the diplomat said.

The Ambassador also reminded, “The LIFE Mission that was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged each of us to become climate champions reflecting on our deep-rooted values. The mission is aimed at safeguarding one Earth, caring for One family and striving for a sustainable One Future, captured precisely by India’s G20 Presidency of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

At the end of the discussion, Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, urged the participants to express their commitment to taking the lead in the world through effective actions as a Joint message for Special Implementation of Hydrogen Energy by 2030.

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