ABU DHABI, OCTOBER 2025 — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is advancing its commitment to a low-carbon future, with its expanding rail infrastructure set to play a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s ambitious green hydrogen goals. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Masdar, a leader in clean energy, and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, marks a significant milestone in integrating sustainable transport solutions into the hydrogen economy.

The agreement was formalized during the Global Rail Transport and Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Under the MoU, Masdar and Etihad Rail will explore how the railway network can facilitate the efficient transportation of materials and products across the green hydrogen value chain. This includes the movement of feedstocks, intermediate products, and final outputs such as hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The collaboration aligns with the UAE’s broader energy transition objectives, including Abu Dhabi’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen Policy and the UAE National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, which aim to position the country as a leading producer and exporter of low-emission hydrogen by 2031. By utilizing rail for hydrogen-related logistics, the initiative will help reduce emissions, optimize supply chains, and reinforce the UAE’s decarbonization and energy security goals.

Masdar has set its sights on achieving global leadership in green hydrogen and its derivatives by 2030. Meanwhile, Etihad Rail, which currently operates freight services linking major industrial zones and ports, is preparing to launch passenger operations in 2026.

This partnership underscores the strategic importance of modern rail infrastructure in achieving large-scale clean energy objectives. It represents a proactive step toward building a resilient and sustainable hydrogen economy—one that integrates advanced transportation networks with renewable energy development to meet the growing global demand for cleaner fuels.

Source: Oil & Gas Middle East