Southern Mediterranean Countries (SMCs) are uniquely positioned to become key players in the production and export of green hydrogen due to their abundant renewable energy resources and proximity to European markets. However, the development of a robust green hydrogen sector in the SMCs requires more than just technological advancements. It necessitates the establishment of rigorous standards and metrology frameworks to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability across borders.

Standardization and metrology are essential for facilitating the integration of green hydrogen into both local and international markets and are key enablers for trade. SMCs face particular challenges in developing these frameworks, such as aligning national regulations with international standards, ensuring infrastructure interoperability, and meeting the quality and safety requirements necessary for green hydrogen trade. The EU’s experience and leadership in this area provide valuable lessons and opportunities for collaboration.

This webinar will focus on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities for SMCs in advancing green hydrogen development through standardized frameworks, supported by collaboration with the EU to harmonize efforts and foster international trade.

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Draft Agenda

Welcome and Opening Remarks (15 mn)

• DG NEAR
• IRENA 
• European Committee for Standardization (CEN) or European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)
• MED-GEM Network

Session 1: Advancing Standardization and Certification for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives in SMCs (45 mn)

Moderator: IRENA 

This session will delve into the specific challenges that SMCs face in developing standards and certificates for green hydrogen production and trade. It will focus on creating alignment with international standards, infrastructure readiness, and ensuring quality and safety in hydrogen technologies.

Speakers:

• IRENA expert (10 mn)
• The Growing Role of Green Hydrogen and the Importance of Standardization in SMCs' Energy Transition, Dr. Mustapha Taoumi, MED-GEM Network Key Expert (10 mn)
• EU Perspective: Brief intervention from a European expert sharing lessons learned from the EU’s approach to hydrogen standardization, Hydrogen Europe Expert (10 mn)

Discussion Points:

• Current barriers to establishing a consistent green hydrogen standard in SMCs.
• The role of metrology in ensuring the reliability of hydrogen quality and safety.
• How regional cooperation among SMCs can enhance the standardization process.

Q&A Session 

Session 2: Actionable Pathways for Standardization and Metrology in SMCs (45 mn)

Moderator: MED-GEM Network 

This session will outline concrete steps SMCs can take to develop and implement green hydrogen standards, certificates and metrology practices. It will explore potential collaborations, resource needs, and timelines for creating an enabling environment for green hydrogen trade.

Speakers:

• IRENA presentation (10 mn) 
• PtV presentation (10 mn) 
• EU Perspective: Insights on how SMCs can align their standards with international best practices, CEN or CENELEC Expert (10 mn)

Round Table (15 mn)

Discussion Points:

• Priority actions for establishing robust standards, certificates and metrology frameworks in SMCs.
• Overcoming regulatory and financial challenges.
• How SMCs can attract investment and promote international trade through standardization.

Closing Remarks (5 minutes)

• Summary of key takeaways focused on SMCs specific challenges and solutions.
• Announcement of follow-up actions, focusing on SMCs’ standardization and certification efforts and collaboration opportunities with the EU.