What Is Oman’s Green Hydrogen Strategy?
Short Answer
Oman’s green hydrogen strategy aims to establish the country as a leading global producer and exporter of green hydrogen. The plan targets production of at least one million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030 and up to eight and a half million tonnes by 2050, leveraging Oman’s exceptional solar and wind resources.
Detailed Answer
Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy, represents Oman’s most transformative economic diversification opportunity. The government has identified hydrogen as a strategic sector capable of generating revenues, creating employment, and positioning Oman as a leader in the global energy transition.
Oman’s natural endowments are ideally suited to green hydrogen production. The central and southern regions receive among the highest levels of solar irradiation in the world, while coastal areas benefit from strong and consistent wind patterns. The vast and sparsely populated interior provides ample land for renewable energy installations.
Hydrogen Oman, known as Hydrom, is the government entity responsible for attracting investment, allocating land blocks, and coordinating the development of hydrogen projects. Several international consortiums have been awarded concession blocks covering thousands of square kilometres for integrated renewable energy and hydrogen production facilities.
The planned hydrogen corridor includes production zones, pipeline infrastructure, and export facilities at ports including Duqm and Salalah. Potential export markets include Japan, South Korea, and European nations seeking to decarbonise their industrial and transport sectors.
Green ammonia, a derivative of green hydrogen that is easier to transport, is expected to be a primary export product. The strategy envisions the creation of an entire value chain including electrolyser manufacturing, equipment maintenance, and technical training facilities.