Oman among Top 6 ‘high-potential’ hydrogen economies of MENA

Oman among Top 6 ‘high-potential’ hydrogen economies of MENA

MUSCAT: A new report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) has listed the Sultanate of Oman among six ‘high-potential’ hydrogen countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region based on their low-carbon hydrogen readiness.

The WEF report, titled ‘Enabling Measures Roadmap for Low-Carbon Hydrogen Middle East and North Africa’, was published on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, as a collaborative endeavour with global professional services firm Accenture. Listed alongside the Sultanate of Oman as ‘high-potential’ hydrogen economies are Morocco, Egypt, Qatar, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In characterizing Oman has a ‘high-potential’ hydrogen economy, the WEF report noted: “As of 2023, the country potentially has the most advanced regulatory framework, strategy, and project development policies for hydrogen in the region. The country envisions becoming the largest exporter of renewable hydrogen by 2030 with a production of up to 1.15 Mtpa, with 50,000 km² of land dedicated for hydrogen project development. Project development is coordinated by Hydrom, Oman’s national leading entity responsible for strategy execution. The strategy focuses on exporting hydrogen to both Asia and Europe and also includes decarbonization strategies for existing demand representing 1.1 Mtpa. The hydrogen sector is seen as a vital