Energy transition is a big buzzword, and many countries are at the crossroad of making some important decisions to achieve net zero, invariably by 2050. Oman is on a historic journey on the energy transition path with the recent establishment of a Directorate of Renewable Energy & Hydrogen. This has further been reinforced with the creation of Hydrom, which acts as an orchestrator of the green hydrogen tender & auctioning of land with award planned at end of Q12023. The hype and fanfare of hydrogen in Oman seems to be a reality and is being fast tracked. Green hydrogen is indeed being weaved into the energy fabric of Oman.
The reality is more evident with Oman hydrogen demand, echoed by the government, as indicated in the table below:
At this juncture we need to cross over some hurdles or perceived barriers to ensure the transition path is smooth, cost effective and sustainable. Oil and gas resources has historically been the main GDP contributors in Oman and will continue play a pivotal role. However, we need to abide to the Paris protocol and reduce our CO2 emission. The sustainability and environment vectors are key ingredients coupled with energy efficiency, technology and not limited to, are key drivers to trigger a green hydrogen economy.
In a recent workshop conducted on February1, 2023 on developing R&D roadmap for Oman’s hydrogen value chain was indeed a step in the right direction. It was a platform where academia, industry and the government brainstormed, challenged on key topics on the technical and socio -economic pivots.
The workshop provided a good funnel and grounding to push green hydrogen in the context of Oman trying to be a fast mover. The focus of the hydrogen value chain was divided into 3 interlinked scopes. These namely being production, handling and end use. This in itself is complex and cannot fully be covered. Albeit it shows the importance of getting every facet, barriers and solutions on the table for the relevant stakeholders to contribute and make the value chain successful and fit for purpose.
On the onset, the workshop took a “thermometer reading” with perceived barriers to a cost effective production of green hydrogen but not exhaustive list included renewable and high technology cost, electrolyser system process cost, policies, regulation, securing offtake
These barriers become opportunities and the work is already on the anvil to encourage investors with an anticipated policies and national energy strategy to be released soon. Additionally, R&D topics were requested from participants to find Oman’s top priorities.
To this end it was suggested to research on full scale electrolyser demonstrator, study on the value chain blue and green hydrogen, improve safety on Liquid Organic Vessel Carriers (LOHC), materials as input for electrolysers, compatibility of water for electrolyser and study of having an optimal mix for renewables energy mix). This list was quite extensive and only a some will progress to the research stage. At high level, the participants looked at pricing, technology, resources, safety/reliability, infrastructure, and efficiency of energy conversion as R&D studies to be done.
It is worth noting social aspects and in country value for hydrogen production was discussed. It was emphasised the importance of raising awareness of hydrogen. Currently there is some lack of knowledge in this area. A higher level of training and upskilling is required. This was targeted for vocational, education and higher education to increase knowledge, provide relevant syllabus, encourage innovation and possibility of having centre of excellence.
In summary, Oman is at the crossroad of the energy transition and hydrogen — whether blue or green — will play a crucial role in Oman, with key projects coming online from 2030.
The challenge is on key players to play their part and bring a sustainable hydrogen value chain. The government, industry, academia and investors need to unite and tap into Oman’s unique benefits of having abundant solar radiation, wind, land and other resources. Indeed, the right policies and regulations will be fundamental to jump start green hydrogen and contribute to the energy transition. I think hydrogen is becoming a reality in the energy transition and the question is food for thought.
Mohammed al Riyami, Business Support Manager TotalEnergies & member of Hi-Fly (Oman Hydrogen Alliance).
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