On September 24, 2024, Beirut hosted the finale of the inaugural Green Hydrogen Hackathon Lebanon #GH2HackathonLebanon. Co-organized by the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) and the EU MED-GEM Network, and supported by the Ministry of Energy and Water and the EU Neighbours South, the Hackathon aimed to foster innovation in green hydrogen. It brought together young Lebanese talents to design a green hydrogen valley in the Beqaa region, marking a major step in Lebanon’s renewable energy transition. So congratulation to Rayan Al Sarih and Omar Allahham winner of the the first edition of #GH2HackathonLebanon.

Part of the “Green Hydrogen Camp: From Theory to Action” initiative by the MED-GEM Network, the #GH2HackathonLebanon focused on raising awareness and equipping students with essential skills for exploring green hydrogen and renewable energy. Despite Lebanon’s ongoing social and geopolitical challenges, the Hackathon continued in solidarity with the candidates and partners. A total of four teams were selected, each composed of two members to ensure gender parity and promote inclusion in technological innovation. The hybrid format finale on October 24 emphasized the EU MED-GEM’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, even in difficult times.

Following the initial Pitching Deck on September 17, where eight candidates presented innovative solutions to Lebanon’s energy challenges, the jury selected two finalist teams: “Lebanon Hydrogen Valley” (Mariam El Jamal and Rodger Akiki) and “Hydrogen Baladi” (Rayan Al Sarih and Omar Allahham). These teams received an additional month of mentorship from Lebanese personalities  like Dr. Joseph Al Assad and Dr. Sorina El Mortada as well as from MED-GEM Network experts, including Frank Wouters, Dr. Mustapha Taoumi, Dr. Raya Verniers. This mentoring period helped the teams refine their green hydrogen solutions, focusing on feasibility and integration into the agricultural and industrial sectors.

On October 24, a panel of international stakeholders, including Frank Wouters, director of MED-GEM Network, Pierre El Khoury (President of LCEC Board), Ibrahim Mallah (representing member of ALI), Ali Berro, and Stefano Panighetti from the European delegation to Lebanon, deliberate after the pitching and announced the winning project : The “Hydrogen Baladi ». Led by Rayan Al Sarih and Omar Allahham, this project aims to transform Lebanon’s industrial heating market by covering 71% of demand by 2040, leveraging green hydrogen and waste heat recovery. It supports decarbonization, economic growth, and regional energy collaboration. The winners have been awarded a study trip to FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg University in Germany, joining the Moroccan winning team « Gafurno », to further their expertise and networking in green hydrogen.