Hydrogen plays a pivotal role in the global shift toward green energy, with a particular focus on green hydrogen as a key driver of this transformative process. Collaborating with the MED-GEM Network, Lebanon has embarked on a thorough exploration of the potential of green hydrogen. As part of the 2024's second meeting of the Lebanese Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC) on last February 23, at the Hilton Beirut Grand Hotel, a session aptly titled "The Need for a Legal Framework for Hydrogen" was facilitated by the MED-GEM Network in collaboration with the national Focal Point, the Country Correspondent and the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC). Bringing together 59 stakeholders from various sectors, spanning energy, law, technology, and government, this working session underscored the critical importance of establishing a robust legal foundation for the seamless integration of green hydrogen into Lebanon's evolving energy landscape.

Moderated by Ms. Reem Irany, an Energy Expert and MED-GEM Network’s Country Correspondent in Lebanon, the event emphasized the imperative need for a legal framework to seamlessly incorporate green hydrogen into Lebanon's energy ecosystem. Dr. Joseph Al Assad, Dean of the School of Engineering at USEK University and Vice-Chair of the Lebanon Committee of WEC, and also MED-GEM’s Senior short-term expert conducting the study for Lebanon, presented key components identified by MED-GEM, placing a strong emphasis on the crucial role of a legal framework. Dr. Al Assad's comprehensive presentation covered the benefits and types of hydrogen, with a spotlight on green hydrogen (GH2), its production processes, and diverse applications.

The session further introduced the MED-GEM Network, a project supported by the European Union that aims to foster dialogue and collaboration in Renewable Energy (RE) and GH2 development in the Southern Mediterranean region. Dr. Al Assad highlighted the pivotal role played by MED-GEM, outlining the support provided to Lebanon, including a national consultation workshop for hydrogen development. This workshop served as a platform for professionals to discuss core actions laying the foundation for a national hydrogen strategy.

Crucially, stakeholders actively participated in data collection, providing insights into their understanding of the existing legal framework and proposing new legislation within the GH2 value chain. Dr. Al Assad delved into topics related to the regulatory framework for GH2, covering production, transportation, storage, financial incentives, alignment with international standards, partnerships, and tailoring regulations to the Lebanese context.

Expressing gratitude for MED-GEM's essential role, Pierre El Khoury, Lebanon’s NFP and the DG of the LCEC, highlighted the pivotal role of the study and looked forward to promising outcomes. The Lebanon Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), in collaboration with the MED-GEM project, is set to organize a validation workshop with stakeholders to confirm the study's findings before issuing the final report. As Lebanon strides toward incorporating green hydrogen, the establishment of a robust legal framework remains paramount, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and clean energy future.