The Sultanate of Oman recently unveiled an ambitious carbon capture strategy meant to dramatically expand its renewable energy sector — a big step toward sustainability. This programme is a vital part of the Oman Vision 2040, which places a strong emphasis on energy diversification and sustainable development.
As worries about climate change spread around the world, Oman is leading the way in green technology and innovation and serving as a formidable role model for other countries.
The country is dedicated to reaching Net-Zero Emissions by 2050, in line with worldwide efforts to combat climate change and limit global warming to 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial levels, as per the goals of the Paris Agreement, under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The many technological avenues that can be used to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions must be understood as the world community steps up its efforts to address climate change.
While clean energy is generated by renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies provide distinct perspectives and complementary approach.
In contrast to renewable energy sources, which take the place of fossil fuels, CCS and CCUS technologies are mostly associated with emission-producing industries and the power sector.
Their primary aim is to capture CO2 emissions from the source and store them underground or use them for industrial purposes, which will provide a substantial contribution to the achievement of Net-Zero emissions.
It is crucial to comprehend the distinct roles and uses of CCS and CCUS to recognise their significance within our broader plan to mitigate climate change.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) plays a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The main idea is to CO2 emissions that come from power plants and industrial activities. After being caught, the CO2 is carefully moved and kept underground to avoid being released into the atmosphere.
Particularly relevant industries for CCS include those with high emissions, such as steel, cement and fossil fuel-based power generation.
Building on this foundation, CCUS takes this concept a step further. Above and beyond simple storage, CCUS explores innovative ways to utilise carbon.
Consider turning CO2 into valuable products like chemicals, plastics or even fuels. By seamlessly integrating storage with utilisation, CCUS aims not only for Net-Zero emissions but also economic opportunities.
In contrast to renewable energy solutions, which are mostly concerned with fossil fuel replacement, CCS and CCUS deal directly with emissions from already-existing infrastructure. By integrating these technologies, industries and power plants may significantly reduce their carbon footprint.
Globally, CCS and CCUS technologies are vital for reaching Net-Zero emissions targets, as they address emissions from sectors that are difficult to decarbonise through renewable energy alone.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that CCS might account for 15 per cent of the total CO2 emission reduction required by 2070 to meet global climate targets.
Furthermore, according to the Global CCS Institute, there will be 30 commercial CCS facilities operating globally by 2023, absorbing about 40 million tonnes of CO2 yearly. With projects like the Petra Nova facility in Texas, which can capture 1.4 million tonnes of CO2 annually, the United States is leading the world in the adoption of CCS.
Comparably, since it began operations in 1996, Norway’s Sleipner project has effectively stored nearly 20 million tonnes of CO2 in underground geological formations beneath the North Sea.
Specifically in Oman, the nation’s environmental strategy may undergo a radical change because of the implementation of CCS and CCUS technology.
A sizeable amount of Oman’s annual CO2 emissions, or about 55 million tonnes, are attributable to the country’s industrial sector. This carbon footprint can be considerably decreased by putting CCS and CCUS into practice.
For instance, Oman may possibly reduce emissions in the steel and cement industries by up to 90 per cent if it implements CCS, which would equate to a reduction of about 10 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
Additionally, Oman can provide new economic opportunities and promote innovation and economic diversification by converting captured CO2 into valuable products.
To facilitate CCUS technology, Oman is actively forming its policies, with a strong emphasis on cooperation, environmental protection and the development of economic value.
Oman has implemented initiatives and regulatory measures, such as the National Climate Change Strategy, which contains provisions for developing and deploying these technologies, to promote their implementation.
Through partnerships with academic institutions and foreign partners, the government is collaborating to stimulate innovation through research and development investments.
Pilot projects are being carried out in a number of industries, including the oil fields for enhanced oil recovery activities, to evaluate the viability of CCS and CCUS.
In addition, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals is actively working with early CCUS adopters to develop a legal framework that fosters the expansion of the CCUS sector.
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and Oman Shell’s Blue Horizons initiative is a prime example of Oman’s dedication to investigating CCUS solutions.
A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was also recently signed by the Ministry with important parties, such as Oxy, PDO, Oman Shell, OQGN and Oman Shell, establishing a ‘House of Expertise’ to provide a strategic and regulatory framework for initiatives related to CCUS and Blue Hydrogen.
Public-private partnerships make use of the capital and experience of the private sector, while tax breaks, grants and other financial incentives serve as additional motivators for adoption.
Oman gains access to funding possibilities and technical skills through its active engagement in international collaborations, which also improves its capabilities.
The National Strategy for an Orderly Transition to Net-Zero emphasises the critical role that CCUS investments play in helping Oman meet its aggressive Net-Zero targets by calling for a 15-per cent carbon abatement contribution from CCUS by 2050. Realising the full potential of CCS and CCUS technologies in Oman requires navigating technological and economic obstacles. In order to put these solutions into practice, a variety of obstacles must be overcome, from technological limitations to issues with economic viability.
Overcoming these challenges will enable Oman to fully utilise the revolutionary potential of CCS and CCUS, influencing the country’s sustainable future in addition to reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, to promote innovation in CCS and CCUS technologies, industry, academia and research institutions must work together. The economic aspects of ensuring cost feasibility, infrastructure development and public perception present challenges for CCS and CCUS in Oman. On the other hand, opportunities for these technologies’ advancement and long-term sustainability include industrial integration, energy transition and research collaboration.
The country is dedicated to reaching Net-Zero Emissions by 2050, in line with worldwide efforts to combat climate change and limit global warming to 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial levels, as per the goals of the Paris Agreement, under the visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
