Background
Oman is strategically positioning green hydrogen as a pivotal element in its future energy mix, striving for equilibrium between ongoing oil and gas utilization and accelerated renewable energy growth. Minister of Energy and Minerals Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, in a recent interview, emphasized green hydrogen’s role as the cornerstone of the country’s energy landscape. Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is presented as an ambitious goal, necessitating prolonged investment in research and development, as well as robust collaboration among government, academia, and industry.
Strategy and Content
Oman’s energy transition vision reframes renewables not as replacements for fossil fuels but as strategic complements forming a multi-source ecosystem. The country’s dual-track approach supports existing hydrocarbon activities while prioritizing sustainable practices and technological advancement in both fossil fuels and renewables.
Key strategic measures include the establishment of “Hydrom” as a national body to coordinate green hydrogen production and export. Strategic land blocks have been allocated for hydrogen projects, and numerous agreements have been signed with global partners to foster investment and international cooperation. Oman seeks to align its policy frameworks with global standards to ensure competitiveness and market access.
Focus areas now include building export and transportation infrastructure, nurturing national talent, and revising regulations to fulfill global market requirements. Projects face formidable challenges but are approached as opportunities for growth and innovation. Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) is identified as a key academic partner; a joint committee has been established to facilitate research integration, support student projects, and construct specialized labs for energy transition and rare earth minerals.
The government also pursues sustained R&D efforts in hydrogen, clean gas tech, carbon capture, storage, and recycling, expanding its resource base with new copper and chromium reserves and evaluating new oil and gas finds. Renewables are boosted by assessing high-potential wind sites with local and international partnerships.
Impact
Oman’s efforts are expected to advance its role in the global energy transition, making the country a major player in green hydrogen and renewables while retaining notable oil and gas activities. The multi-pronged development strengthens talent, infrastructure, and regulatory capacity, fostering greater economic resilience. Industry-academia collaboration is anticipated to generate innovative solutions and ensure that theoretical knowledge is translated into practical achievements. The ongoing evaluation of mineral and fossil resources further enriches Oman’s energy and industrial prospects.
Outlook
Looking to the future, Oman’s commitment to net-zero emissions and green hydrogen promises transformative impacts on its economy and environment. Continued investment in R&D, infrastructure development, and talent cultivation are set to underpin national sustainability goals and solidify Oman’s position as an energy innovator. By leveraging partnerships and adopting global standards, Oman aims to become a regional hub for green technologies. Enhanced academic-industry synergy is projected to unlock breakthroughs and sustain the momentum of discovery and implementation.