MED-GEM Network Highlights Green Hydrogen as a Game Changer at the Lebanon Grand Energy Event 2025

Beirut, 26 September 2025

At the Lebanon Grand Energy Event 2025 – أسبوع بيروت للطاقة, the EU-funded MED-GEM Network played a key role in shaping discussions on the future of renewable energy and green hydrogen in the Southern Mediterranean.

During Session 13B – “Tripling RE and Doubling EE: How Achievable is the Target?”, Toufic Rizkallah, Technical Manager of the MED-GEM Network, presented “The Potential of Green Hydrogen: Opportunities for the Mediterranean Basin.”

Green Hydrogen: A Game Changer for the Region

In his intervention, Mr. Rizkallah underlined that green hydrogen is not just an energy carrier but a cornerstone of the global energy transition. It offers a unique decarbonisation pathway for hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, fertilizers, and shipping, while also acting as a flexible storage medium for renewable energy.

He emphasized the strategic advantages of the Southern Mediterranean:

• Exceptional solar and wind resources
• Proximity to European markets
• Existing port and energy infrastructure
• Opportunities for economic diversification, job creation, and regional cooperation

Call for Action on Climate Change

Mr. Rizkallah issued a clear message:

• The potential is there
• The prospects are massive
• The requirements are urgent
• The enablers are within reach

“This is where the MED-GEM Network and similar EU-funded initiatives can make a tangible contribution,” he concluded.

MED-GEM Network’s Contribution

He also highlighted how the MED-GEM Network works alongside partner countries to reflect, exchange and provide technical support in assessing their green hydrogen readiness, across five key dimensions:

• Policy and Regulations: Assisting in the development of national strategies, certification schemes, and pre-certification pilots.
• Finance and Investment: Facilitating reflection on ways to mobilise blended finance, incentives, and de-risking mechanisms.
• Technology and Industry: Encouraging the emergence of industrial value chains, R&D partnerships, and innovation.
• Infrastructure: Exploring options for repurposing and expanding ports, pipelines, and storage facilities.
• Awareness Raising & Capacity Building: Promoting knowledge-sharing, developing skills, and supporting institutional strengthening and public engagement.

Partnership with IRENA and Regional Actors

The session, moderated by Mr. Mohammad Chbaro (FELL-18), was organised in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and MED-GEM Network, featuring contributions from:

• H.E. Muhammad Nour Rahman Sheikh, Ambassador of India to Lebanon
• Mr. Abdallah Abou Ali (IRENA)
• Dr. Zoheir Hamedi (RCREEE)
• Dr. Joseph Al Assad (LCEC/USEK)

Together, the panel explored how the Arab region can seize first-mover advantage in the global hydrogen race, align with EU certification schemes, and accelerate the development of national hydrogen strategies.