Blue Hydrogen
Definition
Blue hydrogen is hydrogen produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming, with the resulting carbon dioxide emissions captured and stored underground using carbon capture and storage technology. It serves as a lower-emission alternative to conventional grey hydrogen.
Context
Blue hydrogen represents a transitional energy option for Oman, leveraging existing natural gas reserves and infrastructure while reducing emissions. It can complement green hydrogen production during the period when renewable energy capacity is still scaling up.
Example
A blue hydrogen plant at Sohar industrial port reforms natural gas to produce hydrogen while capturing ninety percent of the carbon dioxide emissions for injection into depleted oil reservoirs, reducing the climate impact compared to unabated hydrogen production.