Oman makes rapid strides in setting up green hydrogen ecosystem: Hydrom
Oman’s ambitious strides in the development of green hydrogen projects were unveiled at the Korea-oman Green Hydrogen Strategic Forum 2023 held here on December 12, 2023.
Eng Abdulaziz al Shaithani, Managing Director of Hydrom, highlighted the Sultanate of Oman’s robust experience in engineering optimisation within the energy sector.
Emphasising the role of green hydrogen in diversifying Oman’s revenue streams, Al Shaithani revealed that over 33% of government revenue currently depends on oil and gas.
However, the visionary shift toward green hydrogen aims to alter this landscape significantly. Al Shaithani outlined the journey embarked upon by Oman, allocating vast territories and engaging citizens in a monumental initiative.
The managing director reflected on the accomplishments achieved in just one year, marking a stark contrast to the mere aspirations discussed in the previous year’s forum.
Oman successfully conducted large-scale auctions, signing five projects and surpassing 94% of their set targets for 2030.
With a keen focus on sustainability, Al Shaithani detailed Oman’s aspirations, aiming to produce 1.1 to 1.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, escalating to 8.5 million tonnes by 2050.
The intricate timeline, starting from the first auction to the current developments, showcased Oman’s rapid strides in establishing a green hydrogen ecosystem.
To orchestrate this intricate ecosystem, Al Shaithani identified six pillars—policies, regulations, supply chain, demand, infrastructure, and capacity, and skills.
Hydrom assumed a pivotal role as an orchestrator, incubator, coordinator, and advisor, facilitating a seamless integration of diverse elements in Oman’s green hydrogen landscape.
The presentation concluded with a visual representation of the auction system, depicting the offered blocks, infrastructure provision, and downstream integration.
Al Shaithani emphasised the importance of partnerships, inviting developers, financial partners, industrial players, and infrastructure developers to contribute to Oman’s green hydrogen vision.
Oman’s strategic advantages, including political stability, advanced technology, and access to infrastructure, were highlighted as key elements for success.
Al Shaithani envisaged not just the production of green hydrogen but the creation of an entire ecosystem—a centre of excellence positioning Oman at the forefront of the global green hydrogen revolution.
Hydrom assumed a pivotal role as an orchestrator, incubator, coordinator, and advisor, facilitating a seamless integration of diverse elements in Oman’s green hydrogen landscape.
ENG ABDULAZIZ AL SHAITHANI Managing Director, Hydrom