Oman LNG Inks MoU with Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Hitachi Zosen Inova AG

Muscat: Oman LNG today announced the signing of a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hitachi Zosen Corporation (Hitz) and Hitachi Zosen Inova AG (HZI).

The MOU comes as a significant milestone reaffirming Oman LNG’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, seeking cutting-edge decarbonisation solutions through co-operating in the field of methanation.

Eng. Salim Nasser Al Awfi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, said that the memorandum comes within the zero-neutrality programme and the regulatory framework to reduce carbon emissions, especially in the natural gas liquefaction station.

The minister told that reducing emissions will give the station room for marketing at more preferential prices and for new markets looking for low-carbon liquefied gas.

Commenting on the agreement, Hamed Al Naamany, CEO of Oman LNG, stated: “The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of a transformative journey towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. Oman LNG, Hitz, and HZI share a fierce commitment to lead the charge in advancing the methanation objectives while shaping the future of decarbonisation through cutting-edge technology”.

Recognised as pioneers of methanation technology, Hitz, and HZI are poised to provide decarbonisation solutions to Oman LNG through exploring innovative avenues of synthetic methane production.

Not only does it hold paramount importance for Oman LNG, the MoU supports the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts in sustaining its reputation as a recognised energy supplier worldwide.

As the operator of LNG facilities in Oman, Oman LNG is actively pursuing methanation opportunities to decarbonize its operations through developing cooperation with energy firms worldwide.

This collaboration aligns with national strategies, fostering a structured dialogue to identify common interests and priorities for future collaboration in energy and resources.

In addition, the MoU acknowledges Oman’s vital role in Japan’s energy security and outlines plans for collaborative exploration of evaluating the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of producing Synthetic Natural Gas from carbon dioxide emissions and hydrogen which can then be re-injected back to Oman LNG for either LNG production or fuel gas consumption.

As the Parties explore these possibilities, they commit to a structured dialogue on strategic issues, recognizing the need for further detailed agreements in subsequent project phases, while strengthening collaboration in international clean energy forums like the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).

Methanation, involving the combination of carbon dioxide with hydrogen, especially when derived from renewable sources like green hydrogen, serves as a crucial energy carrier. This process plays a pivotal role in decarbonizing the economy and aligning with Oman’s emission reduction policy objectives, as outlined in the commitments made under the Paris Agreement on 12 December 2015.

By joining forces with Hitz and HZI, Oman LNG aims to pioneer methanation technology of its operations to contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Oman LNG, Hitz, and HZI will actively explore possibilities for relevant cooperation in the fields mentioned within the MoU. This includes identifying areas for joint research, development, and implementation of technologies that align with the shared vision of sustainable and decarbonized energy.