Omans Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) is establishing a national hydrogen alliance (branded as Hy-Fly) to place Oman on the map for the development and deployment of clean hydrogen
Hy-Fly is made up of 13 key public and private organisations encompassing government bodies, oil and gas operators, educational and research institutes as well as ports who will work together to support and facilitate the production, transport and utilization of clean hydrogen for domestic use and export. In the run up to achieving this, the alliance will promote clean hydrogen through investments, technologies, policies, and expertise across the whole hydrogen supply chain. This will support national energy security, decarbonisation, and ultimately a successful transition to green economy.
The alliance will be led by the Ministry, facilitated by Petroleum Development Oman’s (PDO’s) Energy Renewal unit, with participations from the Authority for Public Services Regulation, Petroleum Development Oman, Energy Development Oman, OQ, Oman LNG, BP Oman, Oman Shell and Total Energies Oman, Sultan Qaboos University, GUTech and the ports of Sohar and Duqm.
This alliance is seen as a milestone in Oman’s drive to diversify its energy mix while addressing the mounting climate change realities. Hydrogen is believed to have a significant potential to cut greenhouse gases in the sectors responsible for global emissions.
MEM Undersecretary His Excellency Salim Al Aufi said, “Oman has a world reputation as an established, world-connected and reliable energy producer and exporter, and the country is well placed due to its climate, geo-strategic position and its know-how to drive the shift towards renewables and green hydrogen.
“The aim of the Hy-Fly is to create a leading national and international industry and Government/public authority alliance to drive the development and deployment of clean hydrogen in line with Oman’s Vision 2040 Energy Diversification Plans.”
PDO managing director Steve Phimister said, “Over time, hydrogen has the potential to help transform the domestic and global energy sector, alter the way we all produce and consume energy, and address carbon emissions locally and around the world. We are committed to playing a key role in this alliance for hydrogen to drive a pivotal change as we transition to a greener, more sustainable and diversified economy, in line with the Oman 2040 Vision.”
Energy Development Oman Interim CEO Haifa Al Khaifi said, “EDO welcomes the creation of Oman’s hydrogen alliance (Hy-Fly). Global demand for low-carbon blue or green hydrogen is expected to increase significantly over the next 20-25 years, driven by decarbonisation efforts in industry, transportation as well as in power and heat. Oman has the opportunity to become a major player in future hydrogen markets thanks to its high renewables and CCUS potential, its competitive natural gas production and its geo-strategic position. The establishment of Hy-Fly is a major milestone to ensure Oman develops an ambitious national hydrogen strategy, roadmap and ecosystem.”
