GCC, China discuss energy ties with focus on renewables and hydrogen

14/05/2026 02:40 AST

Renewable energy, hydrogen and electricity interconnection were among the key areas discussed as Gulf Cooperation Council officials and China's National Energy Administration held talks aimed at expanding cooperation beyond the traditional oil trade.

The virtual meeting, hosted by the GCC General Secretariat, brought together energy specialists from the Gulf bloc and the Asian country to discuss collaboration in clean energy technologies, efficiency and grid connectivity, according to a press release.

The discussions reflect expanding energy ties between China and Gulf states as the region accelerates investment in renewable power, hydrogen production and cross-border infrastructure under broader economic diversification plans.

The GCC delegation was led by Mohammed Falah Al-Rasheedi, head of the Human and Environment Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat. Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia and the GCC Interconnection Authority also participated.

"During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for Gulf-China cooperation in the energy sector and exchanged views on the latest developments in global energy markets," the GCC General Secretariat said in a statement.

It added: "Both sides emphasized the importance of developing the strategic partnership between the GCC states and China, strengthening technical cooperation, and exchanging expertise in a way that serves mutual interests and supports sustainable development efforts for both parties."

They also praised the strength of Gulf-China relations and their continued development across various fields, particularly in the energy sector, which represents one of the main pillars of cooperation between the two sides.

In August 2025, China's Sinopec agreed to provide engineering services for Acwa's green hydrogen and green ammonia project in Yanbu, one of the world's largest integrated green hydrogen and green ammonia projects.

The facility is expected to produce 400,000 tonnes of green hydrogen and 2.8 million tonnes of green ammonia annually using wind and solar energy.

In 2025, UAE's Masdar and China's Silk Road Fund signed a memorandum of understanding to explore co-investment opportunities in renewable energy projects across Belt and Road Initiative markets, mainly in developing economies.

Arab News