National strategy for renewables, green hydrogen finalised

A National Energy Plan setting out a strategy for the exploitation of renewable resources, with the specific accent on green hydrogen, has been completed, according to Abdulaziz bin Said al Shidhani (pictured), Head of the Directorate General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

In a statement to Oman News Agency, he said the plan has been formulated keeping in mind the global energy transition, as well as the national potential.

However, studies are ongoing for the development of the new energies sector, he said, adding that a consultancy firm will shortly be appointed to assist in the formulation of a regulatory and legislative framework for the industry. Also as part of its brief, the consultant will also prepare a National Policy for the Energy Transition.

In conjunction with this effort, studies will also be undertaken in consultation with industry stakeholders to recommend incentive and facilities to attract investments in renewable resources and hydrogen. An appropriate model for generating revenue for the stage will be evaluated as well.

Al Shidhani also noted that work is under way to identify suitable sites that can be offered as concession areas for renewable energy projects. This exercise is being pursued in collaboration with various stakeholders and related parties. The batch of concession areas will be offered to prospective investors at the earliest opportunity, he said.

In parallel with the identification of concession areas, preparations are under way for topographic studies aimed at assessing energy storage options. All of this data will form part of a national energy database which will support policymaking and project planning in the future.

On behalf of the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals is spearheading the development of a robust green hydrogen economy in collaboration with relevant government agencies and competent companies. A high-level Ministerial Committee, supported by various technical teams, is overseeing this initiative.

The Sultanate of Oman aims to join the front ranks of countries that are eager to capitalise on their renewable resources, chiefly solar and wind, to produce green hydrogen for its own domestic use as well as for export to global markets.

Last August, a National Hydrogen Alliance (Hy-Fly) was established under the auspices of the Ministry to chart a roadmap for the positioning of the Sultanate of Oman on the global map of major green hydrogen producing nations. As many as 13 major public and private enterprises are part of the alliance.