An agreement was signed between the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)’s Training and Development Centre to set up the National Hydrogen Alliance (NHA). The association seeks to establish solid grounds for the Sultanate in the clean hydrogen production map.
The alliance consists of 13 basic establishments from public and private sectors including operators of oil and gas, educational and research establishments and ports which will also collaborate to facilitate the production, refining and transportation of hydrogen, as well as its domestic use and export.
The NHA will focus on policies, techniques and expertise in producing clean hydrogen across the supply chain, thereby securing national energy reserves, enhancing carbon elimination efforts and, eventually, successful transition into “green economy”.
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals will undertake the leadership of the National Hydrogen Alliance, with support from the PDO, Authority for Regulation of Public Services (ARPS), Energy Development Oman (EDO), OQ group, Oman LNG, BP Oman, Shell Oman, Total Energy Oman, the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), German University (GUtech), Port of Sohar and Port of Duqm.
Eng. Salim Nasir Al Aufi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, said that the Sultanate boasts a global reputation as an established and credible energy producer and exporter. “Oman is in contact with different countries in the world and occupies a prominent place in the global arena due to its climate, strategic geographical location and expertise in leading the shift towards renewable energy green hydrogen,” Al Aufi added.
In a speech at the event, Al Aufi said that the NHA is being developed as a national and international leader in the industry. He added that the alliance combines the efforts of the industry sector, the government and public authorities to develop clean hydrogen production techniques reflecting the goals of Oman 2040 Vision.
The signing ceremony was attended by HH Sayyid Dr. Fahad Al Julanda Al Said, SQU Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mansour Talib Al Hinai, Chairman of ARPS, and representatives of government departments, oil and gas operators, educational and research institutions and ports.
