Industry Associations and Confederations from both shores of the Mediterranean, National Focal Points and members of the Steering Committee of MED-GEM, representatives from DG NEAR, the OECD and the World Bank, came together in the first MEDGEM Industry Advisory Board meeting in Brussels. They highlighted the need for a common infrastructure to enhance efficiency in the energy sector and financing challenges, the importance of addressing financial barriers, especially related to energy source verification and compliance with EU regulations.

The discussion also focused on workforce development, skills enhancement, and capacity building to meet the demands of the evolving GEM industry landscape. Emphasis was placed on deepening and widening the value chain, encouraging local production, and nearshoring activities. Regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and land policies were identified as critical drivers for industry transformation, emphasising a structured approach to developing zones and valleys for GEM industry development.

The meeting's outcomes led to the selection of four focal topics for ongoing collaboration: "Local Value," "Certification," "Jobs, Skills, and Capacity Building," and "Infrastructure." Action plans were formulated for each topic, including baseline assessments and support from MED-GEM.

The 1st IAB meeting laid a foundation for collaborative efforts, addressing key challenges and leveraging opportunities for sustainable growth in the RE and Renewable Hydrogen industry. The creation of working groups ensures ongoing engagement, with the IAB scheduled to meet every six months, supported by smaller working groups meeting in between to share interim results and foster continuous progress.

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