Natural resources and environmental sustainability are 2 of the 12 national priorities of the Oman Vision 2040. Driven by the vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al Said for the Sultanate to become a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen, aiming to promote investments, decarbonizing the planet, and inducing the optimal utilization of abundant solar energy resources in the country. His Majesty the Sultan has directed to set up the Directorate of Clean, and Hydrogen Energy under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.
In the recently concluded Oman Sustainability Week 2022, Oman’s commitment to guiding sustainability was highlighted through innovative strategies in line with the UN sustainable development goals, and promoting Oman as a new model for sustainable development. Aside from the strategic location of the Sultanate, many investors believe that the development in Oman can provide a safe and reliable supply of green fuels globally at a very competitive price.
Strengthening partnership and fast-tracking the implementation of the integrated clean and green energy projects developed through an international consortium as well as bilateral agreements, such as the Omani-British Joint Agreement are few of the strategic steps taken in this direction. The Norwegian Renewable Energy Company, SCATEC and India’s ACME Group for Solar Energy Development, established a joint venture agreement to develop a large-scale green ammonia facility in Oman located within the Duqm Special Economic Zone. These ventures represent not only investing in energy, but also creating and developing infrastructure, supporting the local supply chain, and developing the skills and talent needed to lead the next generation of the energy industry. This is an important step towards achieving Oman Vision 2040, and an opportunity to become a center for low carbon energy, supporting the government’s aim to diversify the economy and boost investment on a large scale.
In view of broadening the usage of renewable energy, this conference will serve as the main impetus for the transition towards renewable energy awareness, use of environment-friendly technologies, local and international initiatives on renewable energy deployment, and strategic programs through the concerted initiatives by academic managers, researchers, energy industry experts, and technology suppliers.
