The Sultanate of Oman is working on developing and implementing an ambitious energy transition and decarbonization plan with investments exceeding $190 billion by 2050.
The plan aims to implement major hydrogen projects with production ambitions exceeding one million tons by 2030, with the goal of reaching more than 8 million tons by 2050. This plan also includes producing over 16 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030; it is expected to exceed 180 gigawatts by 2050.
Additionally, the Sultanate's energy transition and decarbonization plan, which it unveiled at the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP 27) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, includes the implementation of carbon capture, transport, use, or storage projects in addition to improving energy efficiency across various sectors.
Net zero emissions. According to official figures, the carbon emissions in the Sultanate of Oman currently stand at 90 million tons of equivalent CO2. In this regard, the Sultanate is working on a structured transition plan to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Sultanate announced in October last year that it would set 2050 as the target year for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across all developmental sectors.
The Sultanate has begun this plan with a series of detailed workshops and meetings among stakeholders at the national level, aiming to prepare a roadmap that includes specific projects for reducing emissions across all sectors.
Oman is close to completing a national energy transition policy that focuses on establishing the general framework, policies, and regulations related to facilitating and accelerating the transition in hydrogen, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture, transport, use, or storage sectors.
The Sultanate continues to lead ambitious and flexible plans through regional and international cooperation and partnerships to enhance aspects of energy transition and provide clean energy and low-carbon products, in addition to collaborating in areas of carbon certification, natural solutions for carbon absorption, and developing monitoring systems and early warning systems for natural hazards.
Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, emphasizes that the opportunities for renewable energy in the Sultanate of Oman are very high and promising, especially with the availability of clean green energy, which is a significant driver for many sectors.
Al-Amri stated during his appearance on the program "With Youth" on Oman TV that the environment has become a target for various sectors, such as media, education, culture, industry, and commerce. He pointed out that the sustainable environment is one of the main axes of Oman Vision 2040, which prioritizes the environment and natural resources, encompassing seven goals that cover aspects of environmental sectors.
Enhancing climate change responses Like other countries worldwide, especially in the Middle East, which are facing the consequences of climate change in the form of dust storms, drought, desertification, and decreased rainfall, the Sultanate of Oman places significant importance on adapting to the impacts of climate change.
In recent years, the Sultanate has faced a significant rise in temperatures during the summer months, increased intensity of cyclones, and weather events that have caused substantial material and human losses exceeding billions of dollars each year.
The Sultanate of Oman has initiated the investment of billions of dollars to create modern early warning systems, build an integrated system of storage and protection dams, improve urban planning and drainage facilities, and enhance infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, and communication networks to bolster responses to climate hazards and minimize resultant damage.
Believing in the significant role that nature-based solutions can play in reducing emissions and improving adaptation efforts, Oman has initiated the development of terrestrial, wetland, and marine protected area systems, reaching around 25 reserves that host various species of wildlife, in addition to establishing multiple breeding centers for endangered species.
In this context, the government launched a national campaign to plant millions of wild trees, mangroves, and coral reefs across the nation and to encourage different community segments to plant trees in various environments and urban gathering spaces.
The Sultanate is committed to supporting regional efforts, recognizing the importance of regional and international cooperation and partnership in addressing all issues related to climate change.
Recently, the Oman Investment Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi company "Acwa Power" to explore joint investment opportunities in a renewable wind energy project with a capacity of 1.1 GW in Egypt.
In January of this year, the Sultanate held the "Oman Environmental Sustainability Conference 2023," focusing on the effects of dust and sandstorms in the region and their impact on air quality and the possibility of implementing appropriate solutions to mitigate their effects on the environmental performance index of Oman.
During the conference, Sami Dimasi, Director and Regional Representative of the United Nations Environment Programme for West Asia, emphasized the importance of the partnership between the UN Environment Programme and the Environment Authority in Oman in preparing the national strategy for adaptation and mitigation of climate changes, pointing out that the Sultanate has achieved positive figures in the environmental performance index recently.
Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority in Oman, stated that his country is among the first in the region to establish advanced engineered landfills, and the Authority is currently working on the national waste management policy by transforming some challenges in this sector into opportunities.
He clarified that the Authority is collaborating with various entities and institutions on a number of initiatives and projects in the environmental field aimed at raising awareness and education to ensure the presence of sustainable positive behavior. Key Green Energy Projects The climate goals of the Sultanate are largely based on important aspects, including balanced and resilient ecosystems, high-quality pollution-free environments, and sustainable food and water security that benefits from modern technologies, as well as a green and circular economy.
The adoption of 2050 as the year to achieve net zero carbon emissions is a pioneering step that places the Sultanate at an advanced stage in global environmental rankings. Official statements from energy officials in Oman affirm the existence of natural resources that represent many promising investment and economic opportunities, especially in the field of clean energy. The Sultanate of Oman signed agreements exceeding $20 billion for the development of green hydrogen projects in June of last year.
Hydrogen Oman Company ("Hydrom"), a subsidiary of Oman Energy Development Company, signed three agreements in Muscat for the development of green hydrogen production projects in the Al Wusta Governorate with the "Amena" and "Oman Green Energy" alliances and BP Oman, with investments exceeding $20 billion.
The total production of these three projects is expected to reach around half a million metric tons of green hydrogen, equivalent to 12 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity over total areas of 320 square kilometers for each project. Oman seeks to become a global center for green hydrogen production, relying on its primary resources, including solar and wind energy, extensive lands, and human resources.
Engineer Salim Al-Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated that Oman’s experience in energy production and export and its position in markets and global trade routes contribute to its leadership in green hydrogen production.
Dr. Jawad Al-Kharraz, Executive Director of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, confirms that "the Sultanate of Oman is an exceptional model in the region, possessing essential capabilities for wind and solar energy and infrastructure such as gas pipelines and ports like Sohar Port and Duqm Port, among others. There is a political will at the highest levels directing the Sultanate towards carbon neutrality."
Al-Kharraz added that there is a lot of interest from European nations, particularly Germany, in the Omani market regarding the potential for exporting green hydrogen to European markets.
Thus, the Sultanate of Oman is a model to be emulated through its policies, encouragement of investment, establishment of appropriate legal regulations, building Omani capacities, and moving towards a green economy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and contribute to international climate agenda services.
