Muscat – The Ministry of Energy and Minerals said it is in the process of identifying suitable sites for the generation of renewable energy through wind and solar energy, which can be used to produce green hydrogen with the help of foreign investment
An official at the Ministry said it is working on the projects in cooperation with the government agencies such as the Ministries of Housing, Urban Planning and Defense, and the Environment Authority
After the process of identifying the sites is completed, they will be offered to investors for bidding, similar to the way concession areas for oil and gas are offered.
The official said that some sites will be offered according to the need for investment by local and foreign companies, the agreement will be made on the basis of investment, which will cover the use of renewable energy, the introduction of the latest technology, and the creation of job opportunities for citizens – including training.
He said hydrogen energy will be allowed for exports as per the concession agreement, provided it meets the needs of local industries.
“While the number of sites to be offered has not been finalized, the probabilities include sites in Duqm and Al-Halaniyat Island.”
He pointed out that work is underway to prepare laws and legislation regulating investment in hydrogen production in parallel between finding concession areas and setting the appropriate mechanism for marketing and contracts that govern the relationship between the investor and the government.
The law related to hydrogen production will be ready before the end of this year.
The first sites of concession or production areas will be launched by the end of this year or around the hydrogen symposium that will be held in November or December.
A company will be established to develop the hydrogen sector and define its competencies.
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has signed a memorandum of understanding with Belgian companies for international expertise and will sign agreements with investors from Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Korea
International companies located in the Sultanate of Oman, such as Shell, Total, and BP are helping to study the use of wind speed and solar energy.
