Definition
Green hydrogen is hydrogen gas produced through the electrolysis of water using electricity generated exclusively from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Unlike grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas) or blue hydrogen (natural gas with carbon capture), green hydrogen generates zero direct carbon emissions during production. It can be used as a clean fuel for industry, transport, and power generation, or converted into green ammonia for easier shipping and storage.
Context in Oman
Oman has emerged as one of the most ambitious green hydrogen developers in the Middle East. The country benefits from exceptional solar irradiance averaging over 2,500 kilowatt-hours per square metre per year and strong wind resources in the central desert and southern coastal areas. Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), a government entity under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, manages land allocation and investment for green hydrogen projects. Several multi-billion-dollar projects are under development in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm and the Al Wusta governorate, with planned capacity exceeding one million tonnes per annum by 2030.
Key Data Points
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Green hydrogen target (2030) | 1+ million tonnes/year |
| Planned investment pipeline | USD 30+ billion |
| Key production zones | Duqm, Al Wusta, Dhofar |
| Major developers | ACME, BP, POSCO, Fortescue |
| Green ammonia exports | Significant volumes by 2030 |
Vision 2040 Connection
Green hydrogen is a flagship diversification initiative under Vision 2040. The strategy envisions Oman becoming a top-five global green hydrogen exporter, creating thousands of jobs, generating new revenue streams, and positioning the Sultanate at the forefront of the global energy transition while monetising abundant renewable resources.
Further Reading
- [[What is Carbon Neutrality]]
- [[What is Renewable Energy in Oman]]
- [[What is Vision 2040]]