Oman has identified green hydrogen as a central pillar of its long-term energy transition, with the country’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, stressing that the fuel will anchor the Sultanate’s future energy landscape alongside oil and gas.

In an interview with Tawasul magazine, Al Aufi highlighted that the road to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require sustained investment in research and development, coupled with deeper collaboration between industry and academia. “We don’t view renewables as direct replacements for oil and gas, but as strategic complements within a broader, multi-source energy ecosystem,” he said. “Our vision is not to abandon oil and gas but to diversify energy sources.”

Oman’s approach centres on a dual-track strategy: modernising hydrocarbon production with advanced technologies to boost efficiency and sustainability, while at the same time fast-tracking the development of renewable energy and green hydrogen projects. This balance, Al Aufi noted, is essential to maintaining energy security and global market competitiveness during the transition period.

The Sultanate has already taken significant steps to establish itself as a green hydrogen hub. Hydrom, the government-backed entity, has been set up to oversee project development and ensure strategic coordination. Key land blocks have been allocated for hydrogen production and export, and several agreements have been signed with global players and investors. Policy frameworks are also being aligned with international standards to attract capital and build long-term market credibility.

Oman’s positioning reflects its broader ambition to leverage geography and natural resources to become a leading supplier of renewable fuels to Asia and Europe. With large-scale solar and wind potential, and strong international partnerships, the country aims to turn its green hydrogen sector into a cornerstone of economic diversification.

As Al Aufi underlined, the journey ahead demands both patience and persistence: balancing the continued role of oil and gas with the acceleration of clean technologies. For Oman, green hydrogen is not just a climate imperative but a strategic bet on securing a sustainable and competitive energy future.

Source: 

https://www.zawya.com/en/economy/gcc/green-hydrogen-to-anchor-omans-future-energy-kh6d7lm3