Muscat: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals(MEM) on Thursday announced the formation of Oman’s hydrogen alliance.
MEM is establishing a national hydrogen alliance (branded as Hy-Fly) to place Oman firmly on the map for the development and deployment of clean hydrogen.
Hy-Fly is made up of 13 key public and private organizations encompassing government bodies, oil and gas operators, educational and research institutes as well as ports who will work together to support and facilitate the production, transport and utilization of clean hydrogen for domestic use and export. In the run up to achieving this, the alliance will promote clean hydrogen through investments, technologies, policies, and expertise across the whole hydrogen supply chain. This will support national energy security, decarbonization, and ultimately a successful transition to green economy.
The alliance will be led by MEM, facilitated by PDO’s Energy Renewal unit, with participations from the Authority for Public Services Regulation, Petroleum Development Oman, Energy Development Oman, OQ, Oman LNG, BP Oman, Oman Shell and Total Energies Oman, Sultan Qaboos University, GUTech and the ports of Sohar and Duqm.
This alliance is seen as a milestone in Oman’s drive to diversify its energy mix while addressing the mounting climate change realities.
Hydrogen is believed to have a significant potential to cut greenhouse gases in the sectors responsible for global emissions.
MEM Undersecretary His Excellency Salim Al Aufi said: “Oman has a world reputation as an established, world-connected and reliable energy producer and exporter, and the country is well placed due to its climate, geo-strategic position and its know-how to drive the shift towards renewables and green hydrogen.
“The aim of the Hy-Fly is to create a leading national and international industry and Government/public authority alliance to drive the development and deployment of clean hydrogen in line with Oman’s Vision 2040 Energy Diversification Plans.”
The establishment of Hy-Fly comes as one of the outcomes of the ongoing Hydrogen Economy Feasibility Study (HEFS) that is being governed by an MEM-led Steering Committee, constituting various government entities and energy companies.
PDO Managing Director Steve Phimister said: “Over time, hydrogen has the potential to help transform the domestic and global energy sector, alter the way we all produce and consume energy, and address carbon emissions locally and around the world. We are committed to playing a key role in this alliance for hydrogen to drive a pivotal change as we transition to a greener, more sustainable and diversified economy, in line with the Oman 2040 Vison.”
The alliance will be built upon the principles of partnership, transparency, commitment, communication, collaboration and inclusiveness.
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