In accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, several governments have officially decided that they will achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and this commitment came at the twenty-sixth summit of the Conference of the Parties (COP26), which was held in Glasgow, Scotland, on October 31 to November 12, 2021.
In this event, all the participating countries meet annually to take decisions on the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In line with other Gulf countries, the Sultanate of Oman announced on October 11, 2022, that it will work hard to speed up the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible toward achieving carbon neutrality. This will be done by balancing these emissions so that they are equal to or less than those removed by the natural absorption of the planet.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik announced the adoption of 2050 as a deadline for achieving carbon neutrality. It is further emphasised that an integrated national plan will be developed to achieve the goal of a green future as an extension of Oman Vision 2040.
In addition, Oman Sustainability Centre based on the outputs of the Carbon Management Lab will be established to ensure the implementation of the nation’s plan for carbon neutrality and follow various activities toward achieving the set targets.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also directed the cooperation of all units of the state’s administrative apparatuses with the concerned departments to ensure the success of efforts to implement the national plan.
To accelerate the activities, a clear strategic and executive plan for zero neutrality must be developed, and it must be managed by a number of distinguished Omani cadres from various sectors. Furthermore, to develop systematic work mechanisms, the creation of national institutions, committees with trained and technically qualified members, and legislation regarding carbon emissions are essential.
To tackle negative effects at the national level, in line with local, regional, and international environmental commitments, green initiatives will be developed to deal with the crisis and find solutions to the challenges, with the involvement of both the governmental and private sectors. Developing other concepts with the aim of effectively reaching a certain degree of the energy transition will enable the country to have a clear vision for a smooth transition from planning to actual implementation.
Achieving net zero emissions (NZE) will help to diversify income sources, create opportunities for sustainable economic and social growth, balance sustainable development, mitigate the effects of climate change, build a knowledge economy, benefit from the sustainable development of clean technology and create a diverse mix of energy sources. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals announced the launch of investment opportunities and incentives in the green hydrogen sector during the official launch of the Oman Hydrogen Company.
The goal of this project is to make a million metric tonnes of hydrogen by 2030. Moreover, the procedures for allocating investment sites, the preparation of a national plant and the establishment of the Oman Sustainability Centre based on the outputs of the Carbon Management Laboratory are important steps taken by the Sultanate of Oman to reap the benefits of NZE. The Oman Sustainability Centre is in charge of making sure that opportunities are made available in the many targeted sectors so that the implementation plan can be put into action. It is also in charge of keeping track of changes in the local or global scene during the implementation period.
In order to be ready for the shift, the Sultanate of Oman strives to develop and implement studies, plans and policies to achieve the optimal use of energy and to pay attention to the development of renewable energy projects in various regions.
A large, utility-scale solar photovoltaic independent power project in Oman, 'Ibri 2', began commercial operations in January 2022. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), based in Beijing, provided a $60 million loan to the project after the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) selected a consortium of Saudi and Kuwaiti businesses as the winner.
Other projects in accordance with 2030 plans include a wind farm in Dhofar, two solar IPPs in Manah, and 11 solar-diesel hybrid facilities.
Furthermore, small-scale solar panels are installed on residential and commercial structures through the 'Sahim' (contribute) initiative. The OPWP started the process for the development of Oman's first waste-to-energy plant in April 2022. In the development of hydrogen energy, Oman intends to go for 30 GW of green and blue hydrogen by 2040. In this regard, new projects have been announced by the government, including a 14 GW plant fueled by 25 GW of wind and solar energy.
According to MEED research, Oman plans to invest around $45 billion in green hydrogen and ammonia projects.
The Carbon Management Laboratory, implemented from September 25 to October 13, has taken 49 initiatives and projects for various sectors such as electricity and renewable energy, oil and gas, industrial development, transportation, urban development, and buildings, with a clear roadmap for achieving the desired targets.
The execution is focused on improving the efficiency of land transport for light and heavy vehicles, encouraging the use of electric vehicles, reducing emissions from ports and ships, reducing emissions in the aviation sector, and exploring the use of biofuels and hydrogen. Sustainable smart cities, building standards, smart electrical appliances, district cooling, the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency are among the projects in the cities and buildings sector.
In the renewable energy sector, projects related to wind, green hydrogen, electrical interconnection, energy from biofuels, waste recycling, an efficient electricity supply chain and energy efficiency in the electric energy sector are given priority. In the industrial sector, emphasis is given to energy efficiency, emission control, waste recycling and consumption reduction.
Despite the Sultanate of Oman's strategies, national initiatives and plans to achieve zero neutrality, a continuous follow-up is needed to reformulate and develop the policy of innovation and creativity in general and green innovation in particular to support climate protection plans towards a clean and sustainable environment. We are key partners in building the milestones of a green future for us and future generations, God willing. The formulation of these climate change goals is a global challenge and the Sultanate of Oman is very keen to cooperate with brotherly and friendly countries to build a green future that is safe for human habitation.
MARYAM AL NOFLI
(The author is a lecturer at the University of Technology and Applied Sciences - Shinas. She can be contacted at alnoflimaryam@gmail.com)
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