Oman’s energy ministry appoints focal point for hydrogen

@conradprabhu

Reflecting the Omani government’s increasingly strong pivot towards green energy, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals has for the first time nominated a Focal Point to liaise with investors, developers, technology providers and research institutions, among other stakeholders, eager to support the growth of a green hydrogen economy in the Sultanate.

Nasser al Rizeiqi (pictured), who assumed charge as the Ministry’s Focal Point for Hydrogen and New Energies on August 1, will help strengthen engagement with an ever expanding matrix of individuals and organisations – local and international – who have a stake in Oman’s green energy future.

“My role as New Energies Specialist is to lead and coordinate the different efforts related to hydrogen and new energies in Oman in collaboration with private sector national and international bodies,” said Al Rizeiqi.

“While I work closely with the team tasked with developing the National Hydrogen Strategy for Oman, I also follow up on the green hydrogen projects proposed for implementation in the Sultanate.”

To help drive value creation across the green hydrogen value chain, a new department has been established at the Ministry, according to the new focal point. The ‘Energy and Minerals Industries Development Department’ functions under the auspices of the Director General of Planning and Studies at the Ministry.

Nasser’s appointment comes against a backdrop of pivotal developments in Oman’s renewable and new energies space. In recent days, key stakeholders in a world-scale green hydrogen and ammonia project, proposed to be set up in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Duqm have been firming up plans to advance the landmark venture. Just last month, 13 well-known local energy companies and other stakeholder institutions met under the auspices of the Ministry to establish the National Hydrogen Alliance – also known as Hy-Fly – as a platform to help accelerate Oman’s transition to green energy.

Nasser, who holds a Master’s Degree in Energy Systems and Thermal Process from the UK’s Cranfield University, wrote his thesis on potential sites for underground hydrogen storage. Prior to his appointment as the Ministry’s New Energies’ Focal Point, he was part of a team at EJAAD, a hub for research and collaboration between industry and academia, that was tasked with formulating Oman’s National Hydrogen Strategy.

“My role at EJAAD was to identify the most optimum hydrogen storage options in the Sultanate, as well as propose the best available carbon capture technology that suits Oman’s energy profile,” said Nasser.

“In March 2021, I was accepted by the Malaysia-Japan International Technology Institute (MJIIT) to do my PhD degree in Chemical and Environmental Engineering. As part of my thesis work, I’m working now on building a mathematical model for optimising hydrogen production and storage systems. My PhD study focuses on balancing energy demand with the minimal environmental and economic impact.”

Nasser added in conclusion: “With the creation of a dedication position to advocate for new energies, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals is essentially laying the ground for engagement, collaboration and partnership in the crystallization of a low-carbon energy future for the Sultanate.”