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Eastern Mediterranean Emerges as Key Player in Europe’s Hydrogen Supply Chain

Mathematical Forecasting Unveils New Energy Prospects

A recent analytical study by Frederick University’s H2Zero research unit has positioned the Eastern Mediterranean as a burgeoning hub for hydrogen production and export. The research, underpinned by advanced mathematical modeling, signals a major shift that could integrate the region firmly into Europe’s evolving energy landscape.

Cyprus: A Microcosm of Regional Transformation

The forecast projects that Cyprus will see its natural gas output rise from six billion cubic metres in 2026 to a peak of ten billion cubic metres by 2035. This increase is anticipated to facilitate the generation of over four billion kilogrammes of hydrogen via natural gas reforming by 2050, marking a significant stride towards a decarbonized energy system.

Strategic Investments and Regional Synergies

The study also highlights that the broader Eastern Mediterranean, with reserves totaling 2.399 trillion cubic metres, could sustain an annual hydrogen production capacity of up to 2.4 billion kilogrammes by 2041. Such capacity would firmly establish the region as a critical supplier for European markets. Recommendations include immediate investments in hydrogen infrastructure, coordinated regional strategies for natural gas extraction, and a gradual transition to green hydrogen beyond 2050.

Economic Impact and Policy Recommendations

Beyond energy security, the projected expansion could yield substantial economic benefits. The full-scale rollout of hydrogen initiatives in the region is estimated to generate annual export revenues between $15 billion and $25 billion, as well as create tens of thousands of jobs. These strategic moves are essential for balancing short-term revenues with long-term sustainability amid dynamic market and regulatory conditions.

Expert Perspectives on Energy Transition

Professor Andreas Poullikkas, head of the H2Zero Research Unit, emphasizes that with decisive policy measures, strategic investments, and robust regional collaboration, the Eastern Mediterranean can evolve into a cornerstone of Europe’s clean energy transition. His analysis reveals that coordinated regional efforts could amplify hydrogen production capabilities up to ten times compared to isolated national strategies, underscoring a transformative pathway for decarbonization.

Conclusion: Pioneering a Sustainable Future

The findings firmly establish the Eastern Mediterranean as not only a prospective energy powerhouse but also a model for sustainable innovation and economic growth. As Europe intensifies its search for reliable, low-carbon energy sources, the region is poised to play an instrumental role in shaping the future of global decarbonization efforts.

Mobile Apps Surpass Games Globally In 2025 As AI Fuels Unprecedented Growth

In a landmark shift for the mobile industry, 2025 marked the first year that global consumer spending on non-game mobile apps exceeded that of mobile games. Market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reported in their annual State of Mobile report that worldwide spending on apps reached approximately $85 billion, a 21% increase year-over-year and nearly 2.8 times higher than five years ago.

Generative AI Drives Revenue And User Engagement

The rapid ascendance of generative AI has been a major catalyst in this growth. Revenue from in-app purchases in the generative AI category more than tripled in 2025 to exceed $5 billion, while downloads doubled to 3.8 billion. Leading the charge were AI assistants, with top performers including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and DeepSeek. Notably, ChatGPT generated $3.4 billion in global in-app purchase revenue, underscoring its critical role in reshaping consumer behavior.

Surge In Engagement And Session Metrics

Consumer engagement reached new heights, with users spending 48 billion hours in generative AI apps—3.6 times more than in 2024 and 10 times the volume of 2023. Session volume surpassed one trillion, indicating that existing users were deepening their interaction with these apps at a rate that outpaced new downloads. This intense engagement is reflective of how seamlessly AI is integrating into everyday mobile activities.

Big Tech Intensifies The AI Battle

Big technology players, including Google, Microsoft, and X, have significantly ramped up their investments in AI assistants to compete with ChatGPT. Their concerted efforts have led to rapid advancements in coding assistance, content generation, and multimedia capabilities. Recent upgrades such as ChatGPT’s GPT-4o image generation model and Google’s Nano Banana exemplify the transformative improvements that are driving consumer adoption.

Consolidation And Expansion In The AI Space

Among the top AI publishers, OpenAI and DeepSeek commanded nearly 50% of global downloads—a substantial increase from 21% in 2024. Concurrently, big tech publishers grew their market share from 14% to nearly 30%, effectively crowding out early ChatGPT alternatives. In addition to AI assistants, other innovative apps, including AI music generation by Suno, ByteDance’s text-to-video solution Jimeng AI, and companion apps such as Character.ai and PolyBuzz, contributed to the expanding AI ecosystem.

Mobile: The Key Connector To Generative AI Services

Sensor Tower’s report underscores the critical role of mobile platforms in mobilizing access to generative AI. In the United States alone, the total audience for AI assistants topped 200 million by year-end, with more than half (110 million) relying exclusively on mobile devices. This stark contrast to the 13 million mobile-only users in 2024 highlights a significant shift in consumer preferences and the increasing indispensability of mobile applications as conduits for innovative AI technologies.

Diverse Revenue Streams Beyond AI

While AI was the dominant revenue driver, the report also notes robust contributions from social media, video streaming, and productivity apps. In particular, social media apps commanded an average of 90 minutes of daily user engagement, culminating in nearly 2.5 trillion hours spent globally—a 5% year-over-year increase. This diversity in revenue streams underscores the resilience and dynamism inherent in the mobile app ecosystem.

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