MUSCAT: A number of energy analysts confirmed that green hydrogen would contribute significantly to mitigating global climate change and shifting towards a sustainable green economy rather than fossil fuels used in heavy industries. This will open up great potential for industrial development, particularly in countries with abundant sources of renewable energy.
Dr Abdullah bin Suleiman al Abri, Adviser and Representative of the Sultanate of Oman at the International Energy Agency, said that Oman aspires to develop the hydrogen economy. Hence, an analytical study on the possibility of creating domestic hydrogen demand was undertaken to support zero neutrality in 2050 and revitalise local industries and economic competitiveness.
Al Abri reviewed the detailed study to assess the possible replacement of natural gas used to provide heat to current industrial processes and raw materials, taking advantage of Oman's existing industrial and export infrastructure, noting that the study covered the technical and economic aspects of five industrial areas: Suhar, Muscat, Sur, Duqmm and Salalah.
The study included technical assessment, cost and projected revenue from sales of hydrogen, oxygen and natural gas, in addition to the financial recovery period and the expected impact in terms of reducing emissions, quantity of natural gas and land space required for solar fields.
Meanwhile, Maria bint Zaher al Tubiya, an industrial energy analyst, explained that the study was conducted on the assumption that each project's life cycle was 25 years and production would begin in early 2027. The study showed that the total projected demand for hydrogen was 8,846 tonnes per day, and the highest demand was recorded in Suhar at 45 per cent, followed by Duqm at 28 per cent, Salalah at 14 per cent, and 9 per cent in Sur, and the lowest in Muscat at 4 per cent.
Al Tubiya indicated that the expected demand for hydrogen comes to provide heat for high-temperature industrial processes in various industries, including cement, copper, aluminum, chemicals and petrochemicals, in addition to being a clean energy carrier. — ONA
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