Article

In a forward-looking address, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng. Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, articulated a vision where green hydrogen is poised to become a cornerstone of the Sultanate’s energy framework.

As Oman navigates the delicate balance between the enduring reliance on oil and gas and the swift expansion of renewable energy, al Aufi underscored that achieving net zero emissions by 2050 will necessitate significant and continuous investments in research and development. This endeavor, he notes, will be bolstered by deeper collaboration between academia and industry, which will play a pivotal role in shaping the country's energy transition.

Al Aufi clarified that the government does not see renewables as mere substitutes for fossil fuels but rather as strategic complements within a diverse energy ecosystem. "Our vision is not to abandon oil and gas but to diversify energy sources," he stated, reflecting a pragmatic approach to energy management. While fossil fuels remain integral to the global economy, Oman is committed to a dual strategy: enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of its hydrocarbon sector while simultaneously accelerating initiatives in green hydrogen and renewable energy.

Concrete advancements have already been made, with Oman establishing Hydrom as the national coordinating body for green hydrogen and designating strategic land areas for production and export. The minister revealed that several agreements with global companies and investors have been initiated, and policy frameworks are being refined to align with international market standards.

“Our focus now is on building the transport and export infrastructure, ensuring we have qualified national talent, and adjusting regulations to meet global demands,” al Aufi remarked, acknowledging the inherent challenges of such large-scale projects while viewing them as opportunities for growth. He highlighted the critical role of Sultan Qaboos University as a strategic partner in this endeavor, with a joint committee formed to enhance research integration, support graduation projects, and establish specialized laboratories dedicated to energy transition and rare earth mineral studies.

Al Aufi reiterated that reaching net zero will require a sustained commitment to R&D, particularly in hydrogen technologies, carbon capture and storage, and industrial waste recycling. This year, the ministry identified promising reserves of copper and chromium in North Al Sharqiyah, while Petroleum Development Oman continues to evaluate the commercial viability of new oil and gas discoveries in Block 6. In the renewable sector, high-potential wind sites are under assessment for development in collaboration with both local and international partners.

The minister urged for stronger cooperation between academia and industry professionals, emphasizing that theoretical knowledge must be applied to avoid stagnation. “Exploration that lacks scientific grounding risks wasting resources,” he cautioned, reminding stakeholders that the greatest discoveries begin with a simple idea, followed by rigorous study, ultimately leading to tangible achievements.