New fuel stations to offer hydrogen for heavy trucks from 2030

MUSCAT, DEC 20

With effect from 2030, new fuelling stations must not only be fitted with chargers for Electric Vehicles (EVs), but also feature dispensers for hydrogen fuel, under new policies being weighed by Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology.

According to a key official, the proposed policies are designed to accelerate the decarbonisation of the heavy transportation sector in the Sultanate of Oman, by around 3 per cent by 2030, rising to 34% by 2040 and 100% by 2050.

“Under policies that we will be introducing, by 2030 all new gas station have to have hydrogen and electric chargers,” said Abdullah al Busaidy, an expert on the Ministry’s Carbon Neutrality team, adding that a quarter of all existing filling stations must also be upgraded by this timeline to include hydrogen and electric chargers.

Speaking at the Green Hydrogen Summit Oman (GHSO) 2023 forum, which concluded in Muscat last week, Al Busaidy noted that several financial and tax incentives are also being contemplated to drive the transition from fossil fuel powered trucks to zero-carbon fuels.

It includes credits and grants to local R&D companies developing hydrogen-powered transport solutions. Also under consideration are VAT and Customs Duty exemptions on hydrogen fueled trucks and related parts.

Importantly, the Ministry is also pledging VAT exemption on Co-Combustion trucks – based dual fuel hydrogen-diesel combustion – mulled for introduction in Oman as a short-term decarbonisation solution of the transportation sector.

Utilising 40 per cent hydrogen, co-combustion also contributed to a 40 per cent reduction of CO2.

Also targeted for VAT exemption are trucks outfitted with devices that use of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). Formulated from a precise mixture of 32.5 per cent synthetic urea and 67.5 per cent de-ionised water, DEF plays a pivotal role in reducing harmful emissions from diesel engines. The urea component undergoes a chemical reaction when introduced into the exhaust stream, breaking down nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water vapour.

To ensure the robust implementation of decarbonisation mandates for the heavy transport sector, the Ministry is taking on several important responsibilities, said Al Busaidy. For example, the Ministry will take the lead in certifying and setting specs for technologies and products related to hydrogen trucks, co-combustion and other emission-reducing technologies deployed in the transport sector.

Additionally, the Ministry will oversee emission monitoring of trucks and administer fines to achieve zero emissions by trucks in 2050. Furthermore, it will invest in AI-based systems to optimise truck logistics in Oman with the goal of reducing emissions, Al Busaidy added.