MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman, blessed by vast sun-soaked desert expanses and rugged wind-swept terrain, is emerging as one of the main destinations for renewable resources and green hydrogen.
With the government's emphasis on renewable energy and green hydrogen, the Sultanate of Oman is now considered among the world's leading players in the green energy industry as it has already kick-started the development of a green hydrogen based sector in line with the government's net zero strategy.
In line with the development of the sector, a high-level Omani delegation, led by Mohsin bin Hamad Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, recently concluded a mission to Italy and Switzerland.
In Italy, the delegation discussed with their counterparts areas of cooperation in renewable energy and green hydrogen besides consolidation of bilateral ties.
They talked about ways to bring in investments to Oman and exchanged knowledge with leading companies, institutions and research institutes in Italy.
The delegation included participants from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the Authority for Public Services Regulation, (APSR), in the presence of representatives of the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to the Republic of Italy.
The primary focus was to identify potential areas of synergy and establish joint ventures across various sectors of the energy industry with the focus on sustainable technologies and innovations.
The delegation then visited Switzerland to participate in the Business Forum of the Omani-Swiss Friendship Association, which aims to highlight best practices and discuss future prospects in key sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, storage systems and carbon neutrality.
In his address at the forum, Al Hadrami emphasised the Sultanate of Oman's unwavering commitment to transitioning into a sustainable economy and creating an environment conducive to green investments.
Dr. Firas Al Abduwani, Director General of the Directorate General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, spoke about Oman's strategic approach to green hydrogen through an insightful presentation.
He highlighted the country's efforts to promote the use of green hydrogen as a means to achieve sustainability in the energy sector, as well as the opportunities for investment in renewable energy and green hydrogen in the Sultanate of Oman.
The forum also discussed the investment opportunities, expertise and capabilities that the Sultanate of Oman possesses to achieve success in the field of hydrogen and renewable energy.
Participants presented practical models for cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and Switzerland in the field of green hydrogen and negative emission technologies.
During the forum, a session entitled "Oman and Switzerland: Best Practices of Technology Transfer, Investment and Cooperation" was held, in which a group of experts and specialists participated, during which they reviewed best practices in technology transfer and investment and enhancing cooperation between the two countries in these fields.
Al Hadrami stressed the paramount importance of cooperation, experience sharing, and knowledge exchange between the Sultanate of Oman and Switzerland, particularly in the energy sector.
This Omani Business Forum in Switzerland is an example of the unwavering dedication to augmenting economic and collaboration between the two nations in renewable energy and green hydrogen.
The event presented an invaluable opportunity to exchange experiences, forge strategic alliances between corporations and institutions, and ultimately contribute to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Oman's keen interest in the sustainable sector, coupled with its strategic commitment to Net Zero, aligns harmoniously with the nation's ambitious aspirations of emerging as a global leader in hydrogen exports by 2030.
Leveraging its natural and geographical advantages, Oman is poised to spearhead advancements in this promising sector, which holds tremendous potential for sustainability and significantly contributes to the realization of Oman's Vision 2040. The new renewable sector is expected to propel economic diversification and secure a prosperous future for Oman's energy landscape.
