Oman has essential resources to become major producer and exporter of green hydrogen: SQU

Muscat: The Sustainable Energy Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University confirmed that the Sultanate of Oman possesses the basic resources to become a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen, which will contribute to strengthening the economy, reducing the carbon footprint, and providing job opportunities, in addition to significant access to solar and wind energy. The sea and the strategic location allow it easy access to global markets.

The Center explained that the Sultanate of Oman is committed to developing the green hydrogen sector, and the government has set a goal of producing one million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, and is also working to develop a regulatory framework for the green hydrogen sector and attract investments from foreign and local companies, as a number of international companies are investing in it. Projects in this sector include “Duqm Highport”, a consortium of international companies working to develop a green hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Duqm, which is expected to produce 200,000 tons of green hydrogen annually when completed in 2025.

Dr. Rashid bin Saeed Al Abri, Director of the Sustainable Energy Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University, said that amid the escalation of greenhouse gas emissions and demand for energy, countries are seeking to find alternatives to sustainable energy. Realizing this, the Sultanate of Oman aims, with the advantages and capabilities it possesses, to harness them and target net zero emissions by 2050.

He stressed that the center seeks to be a leading research center for energy solutions for the Sultanate of Oman, the Gulf region and beyond, in line with the increasing global focus on sustainability and renewable energy, which makes the center an essential hub for advancing sustainable goals in the energy transition in the Sultanate of Oman through its focus on energy efficiency and energy systems. Renewable energy, public awareness and sustainable development.

He added to the Oman News Agency that there are some challenges that must be addressed before green hydrogen is widely adopted in the Sultanate of Oman, including the cost of producing green hydrogen and developing the associated transportation and storage infrastructure. He pointed out that the Sultanate of Oman launched the National Hydrogen Alliance consisting of 15 governmental, private, research institutions and universities, and the center is submitting proposals and studies related to hydrogen in line with the goals of the alliance.

He explained that the recent projects related to hydrogen represent evidence of the active role played by the Center in this alliance, and among these projects is the Hydrogen and Energy Transition Group in the Wilayat of Sur, funded by the Omani Liquefied Natural Gas Company, which aims primarily to explore the Wilayat of Sur as an important center for transformation in the field of transportation. Hydrogen and energy, which enhances the position of the liquefied natural gas market in the Sultanate of Oman while encouraging decarbonization.

The study of this three-stage project includes evaluating opportunities for decarbonization in the first stage, especially using green hydrogen to create a solar and wind system that generates energy to produce green hydrogen to reduce second-stage emissions. Carbon dioxide and the provision of natural gas, in addition to analyzing the economic feasibility of using green hydrogen in the second phase to produce low-carbon products such as green ammonia and green methanol, and in the third phase studying integration opportunities with a focus on transporting green hydrogen to Sohar Port. He added that there is another project on “Green Hydrogen in the Sultanate of Oman…

Unlocking the economic potential of the green hydrogen economy towards achieving Oman Vision 2040,” which is funded by Dalil Oil Company, and the center is studying areas near Dalil Oil fields for the potential of green hydrogen using renewable resources, with the aim of Assessing the feasibility of green hydrogen production taking into account factors of solar potential and economic metrics. Results indicate comparable solar potential across the sites analyzed and expected reductions in the cost of green hydrogen production by 2050. This initiative anticipates significant reductions in CO2 emissions. It provides multiple sustainability opportunities, such as producing and distributing green hydrogen, and developing environmentally friendly industrial zones.

On Monday, The Sustainable Energy Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University will host the “18th International Conference on Theoretical and Engineering Solutions,” which lasts for three days and serves as a forum for scientists, engineers and policy makers to discuss the latest developments in hydrogen technology and a wide range of topics, including hydrogen production from fossil sources. Conventional waste and residual biomass, electrolysis and other hydrogen production techniques from renewable energy sources, hydrogen separation and purification, hydrogen storage, hydrides, gas and liquefaction, hydrogen infrastructure, distribution and filling stations, fuel cell technologies and their applications, thermal and combustion applications, energy of fuel technologies, life cycle assessment, hydrogen energy sustainability, hydrogen economy and safety Standards, regulations, roadmaps and policies.

Dr. Rashid bin Saeed Al Abri, Director of the Sustainable Energy Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University, said that the conference represents an important opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas and accelerate the process of developing and disseminating hydrogen energy.

It includes a discussion session on the most important challenges facing green hydrogen in the Sultanate of Oman in cooperation with the Majan Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency. The National Hydrogen Alliance and the “Ejad” platform, to present results to specialists in the National Hydrogen Alliance and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

He pointed out that the conference will present a training seminar on October 24 and 25 in the field of green hydrogen in cooperation with the Majal Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at Sultan Qaboos University, to cover a large segment of those interested in the Sultanate of Oman and the Arab region. Regarding the use of solar energy in the world, the Director of the Sustainable Energy Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University explained that the average global cost of solar electricity decreased by 82 percent between 2010 and 2020 compared to electric energy, according to the report of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), as a result of technological progress, economies of scale, and increased competition between Solar panel manufacturers.