Monday, 20 May, 2024
Oman, a country located in the Middle East, has a strong interest in hydrogen and green hydrogen as potential sources of clean energy. Oman has long relied on hydrocarbons for the vast majority of its domestic energy mix. In 2021, gas was the source of 71 percent of energy consumed in the country, while oil accounted for 28 percent. Coal and renewable sources provided less than 1 percent combined. Oman’s current targets that renewables should constitute 30 percent of its energy mix by 2030. Solar energy has significant potential in Oman due to its abundant sunlight.
Overall, while the development of hydrogen and green hydrogen in Oman is still in its early stages, the country has shown a strong commitment to promoting these clean energy sources. With its significant natural gas reserves and potential for renewable energy.
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As of 2021, the demand for hydrogen and green hydrogen in Oman is relatively low, with hydrogen mainly used in industrial processes and as a fuel for some vehicles. However, there is growing interest in the potential for hydrogen and green hydrogen as a clean energy source in the country. Oman's industrial sector is the main consumer of hydrogen in the country. Hydrogen is used in the production of ammonia and other chemicals, as well as in the oil refining process. Oman is a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and has the potential to export hydrogen in the future. There are plans to develop a hydrogen liquefaction plant in the country to support the export of hydrogen.
In 2019, Oman launched its National Energy Strategy, which includes a focus on renewable energy and clean hydrogen. The strategy aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country's energy mix to 10 Percent by 2025 and 30 Percent by 2040.
Oman is currently in the process of developing a regulatory framework for hydrogen and green hydrogen. The regulatory framework will address issues such as safety, technical standards, and licensing requirements for hydrogen projects. Here are some of the key elements of the regulatory framework for hydrogen in Oman:
While the demand for hydrogen and green hydrogen in Oman is currently limited, the country has significant potential to develop a hydrogen economy in the future. Oman stands to benefit from renewable sources of energy including green hydrogen. With immense solar radiation, and wind speed coupled with adequate land, easy access to water and free zones for manufacturing, Oman is well placed to transition to a green hydrogen economy.
Renewable Energy Projects: Oman is also investing in renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power, which could be used to produce green hydrogen in the future. Oman’s National Energy Strategy aims to derive 30 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. One of the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the National Energy Strategy is to derive at least 30% of electricity from renewables by 2030. These projects include a wind farm in Dhofar; two solar IPPs in Manah; 11 solar-diesel hybrid facilities; and the ‘Sahim’ initiative to install small-scale solar panels on residential and commercial buildings, among others.
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The hydrogen projects that are currently being developed in Oman:
Overall, while Oman is still in the early stages of developing its hydrogen and green hydrogen infrastructure, the country is taking steps to promote the development of these technologies through research and development activities and pilot projects.