logo
Pact signed to jointly develop hydrogen transport network

Pact signed to jointly develop hydrogen transport network

Observer18-05-2025
MUSCAT: OQ Gas Networks SAOG (OQGN), the exclusive operator of Oman's natural gas transmission system, has signed a Term Sheet Cooperation Agreement with Belgium-based Fluxys to jointly develop a hydrogen transportation network in the Sultanate of Oman. Under the agreement, Fluxys will join as a minority shareholder, co-owning and operating the planned infrastructure alongside OQGN.
The agreement builds on an earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in September 2023 and strengthens their partnership following Fluxys' acquisition of a 4.9% stake in OQGN during its Initial Public Offering (IPO). Both companies share a vision for leading the energy transition and see this collaboration as a key step toward realizing Oman's Vision 2040 and its national hydrogen production targets.
With complementary infrastructure and expertise, OQGN and Fluxys aim to fast-track the rollout of hydrogen transport systems to support Oman's clean energy ambitions. The partnership also reflects a broader goal to exchange knowledge and best practices to accelerate low-carbon developments.
The agreement was signed by Eng Mansoor bin Ali al Abdali, CEO of OQGN, and Pascal De Buck, Managing Director and CEO of Fluxys, during a ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Muscat, held under the auspices of Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
'We are excited to work with Fluxys in developing hydrogen transportation infrastructure to support Oman's green hydrogen and decarbonisation goals,' said Eng Al Abdali. 'This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering cost-effective, sustainable energy solutions for the future.'
De Buck added, 'Partnering with OQGN marks a major step in our strategy to build international low-carbon value chains. We look forward to contributing to Oman's energy transition while bringing renewable hydrogen to Belgium and Europe.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sohar International eyes full acquisition of Bima, majority stake in Saudi's Neo Group
Sohar International eyes full acquisition of Bima, majority stake in Saudi's Neo Group

Muscat Daily

time13 hours ago

  • Muscat Daily

Sohar International eyes full acquisition of Bima, majority stake in Saudi's Neo Group

Muscat – Sohar International Bank has unveiled plans for two potential acquisitions as part of its growth and regional expansion strategy, including a move to acquire Oman's first fully digital insurance platform and a majority stake in a Saudi-based financial institution. In a disclosure to the Muscat Stock Exchange, Sohar International said it has sought in-principle approval from the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) to make a non-binding offer for up to 100% of Insurance House LLC, better known as Bima. Licensed by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), Bima operates as Oman's first fully digital insurance platform, enabling customers to compare and purchase products ranging from motor and travel to medical and credit life insurance through multiple providers. Sohar International said the proposed acquisition of Bima aligns with its vision of becoming 'a world-class service company that supports customers, communities and people in their growth and prosperity'. The bank noted that the transaction remains subject to due diligence, negotiations, execution of definitive agreements, and approvals from regulators and other authorities. Separately, in an earlier disclosure, Sohar International last week announced its intention to acquire up to a 55% stake in Neo Group Limited KSA. The bank said it had sought in-principle approval from the CBO to enter into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Neo Group Limited UAE, which holds an 80% equity interest in the Saudi entity. Neo Group Limited KSA, licensed by Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority, provides asset management and financial advisory services. Sohar International said the proposed acquisition of Neo Group Limited KSA is in line with its regional expansion strategy and its ambition to strengthen Oman's presence in regional financial markets. Both prospective deals are contingent on satisfactory due diligence and the receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals. Sohar International said it will issue further announcements as developments progress.

Oman to highlight tourism potential in Jaipur roadshow
Oman to highlight tourism potential in Jaipur roadshow

Muscat Daily

timea day ago

  • Muscat Daily

Oman to highlight tourism potential in Jaipur roadshow

Muscat – Ministry of Heritage and Tourism will hold a promotional workshop in Jaipur, India, on Monday as part of its efforts to strengthen the country's position in regional and global tourism markets. The workshop aims to highlight Oman's tourism assets, ranging from heritage and culture to adventure and wedding tourism, while promoting the sultanate as a safe and stable destination. Officials said the event will feature face-to-face meetings with leading Indian travel agencies, airlines and specialised media outlets. The sessions will focus on building partnerships and showcasing opportunities in sectors including cruise tourism, hospitality, and meetings and conferences. 'The Indian market is a priority within the ministry's promotional plan,' an official said. 'There is a growing demand for outbound tourism from India, supported by stronger cultural and economic ties between the two countries.' The programme will include visual presentations, publications, and interactive sessions led by Omani tourism representatives. Delegates from Omani tourism institutions will also hold business meetings with their Indian counterparts to present tailored packages designed for different traveller groups. In recent years, Oman has seen steady growth in tourist arrivals from India. Officials attribute this to easier visa procedures, improved air connectivity, and deeper cooperation between Omani and Indian companies in the travel sector. The campaign forms part of the ministry's broader strategy to diversify tourism markets and increase visitor numbers in line with Oman Vision 2040, which emphasises tourism as a driver of economic growth.

Oman industrial edge — time to double down
Oman industrial edge — time to double down

Observer

timea day ago

  • Observer

Oman industrial edge — time to double down

Oman's manufacturing engine has shifted up a gear. By end-2024, real value-added in manufacturing rose 7.45% to RO 3.62 billion, lifting the sector's share to 9.4% of real GDP. Between January and May 2025, non-oil exports increased by 7.2% to RO 2.7 billion. These are not isolated data points; they show policy is working — and that the government's bet on industry as the locomotive of diversification deserves firmer backing and faster execution. Where does Oman's advantage lie today? It is a 'value bundle'. Geography comes first: a gateway to the Indian Ocean with deep-water ports at Salalah, Suhar and Duqm, and economic zones that convert transit flows into processing and re-export. Stability matters just as much: a trusted political and regulatory environment lowers risk-adjusted costs for long-horizon capital. Energy is the third pillar: reliable gas paired with fast-emerging solar, wind and green hydrogen gives Omani exporters a credible low-carbon story in markets where carbon intensity is a tariff in disguise. Finally, Oman's hallmark is execution credibility — predictable timelines, integrated agencies and functioning infrastructure. Price matters; certainty often matters more. On this foundation sits a coherent sectoral map. Food manufacturing can ride regional demand and import substitution. Chemicals and petrochemicals seed value chains for pharmaceuticals and personal care. Metals feed equipment, electrical devices and transport components. Medical and pharmaceutical supplies, along with industrial equipment, can scale through standards and certification. The next wave is equally clear: organic and specialised foods; components for renewables; recycling of industrial, plastic and metal waste; and the localisation of electrical industries and semiconductors. This is the path from commodity exposure to higher value-added exports. Policy already points the way. Vision 2040's industrial strategy sets quantifiable milestones: lift sectoral contribution to more than RO 11.6 billion, expand exports to roughly RO 25 billion and attract RO 40 billion in industrial investment. To hit these targets, momentum must translate into bankable projects. Three priorities can lock in the gains. The government's bet on industry as the locomotive of diversification deserves firmer backing and faster execution First, move swiftly from 'opportunity lists' to signed investment contracts with clear milestones, local-content requirements and performance metrics. Speed to financial close and pilot operations is the truest test of policy effectiveness. Second, deepen domestic demand through smart local-content programmes and multi-year offtake agreements in energy, infrastructure, health and food. Certainty of demand lowers unit costs and encourages technology upgrades — provided quality benchmarks are enforced. Third, arm exporters with competitive finance and faster standards. Expanded export-credit guarantees, supply-chain finance and concessional windows for energy-efficiency and circular-economy upgrades will crowd in private capital. A unified technical accreditation window — with mutual-recognition arrangements in target markets — can convert months of testing into a market advantage. Human capital is the multiplier. Micro-credentials tied to production roles, factory-based training, and incentives for firms that meet hiring-and-training thresholds will ease skill bottlenecks, especially in pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment and electronics. Decarbonisation should be treated as a sales tool, not a compliance burden: measured reductions in emissions intensity will open doors in high-standard markets and trim medium-term operating costs. The case for supporting the government's current industrial push is therefore straightforward. The numbers show momentum; the strategy provides direction; and Oman's edge — location, stability, low-carbon energy and execution reliability — is real. Double down now, convert pipeline to contracts, and the country can build a resilient production base that earns foreign currency, creates quality jobs and climbs global value chains. That is how Oman moves from promising indicators to a durable industrial footprint well beyond 2040.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store