Latest news with #Duqm
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's liquid H2 corridor a model for global hydrogen trade
MUSCAT: A landmark agreement signed recently by Oman to establish the world's first trade corridor for liquid hydrogen (H2), marks a pivotal step in consolidating the Sultanate's position as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. This was the central message of a recent article by Attaqa, a Washington-based Arabic-language platform dedicated to energy news and analysis. Titled "Exporting Liquefied Hydrogen Represents a Qualitative Leap for Oman and a Promising Opportunity for Middle East Countries", the article summarizes the views of several international energy experts who see the agreement as a model for global hydrogen trade. The proposed Liquid Hydrogen Corridor will connect the Port of Duqm in Oman with the Port of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, enabling the transport of liquid hydrogen deeper into Europe via logistics hubs in Germany and beyond. Key players in this groundbreaking initiative include Hydrom—the master planner of Oman's green hydrogen sector—and OQ, the Sultanate's integrated global energy group. Oman's leadership in this transformative venture has earned international praise. Salah Mahdi, Global Director of Hydrogen at Chart Industries, a major player in hydrogen liquefaction and transport technologies, described the project as a "qualitative leap" that reflects a forward-thinking vision combining ambition and pragmatism. By taking a pioneering role in this initiative, Oman is demonstrating its intent to go beyond exploring hydrogen potential and instead develop a large-scale, integrated value chain. The country is leveraging not only its abundant renewable energy resources and strategic geographic location but also its growing partnerships with European nations, he said. 'If this project is implemented well—and initial signs are promising—this corridor could become a global model for intercontinental hydrogen trade,' Mahdi told Attaqa. He called Oman's decision to adopt liquid hydrogen a 'strategic choice,' noting that liquefied hydrogen, like LNG, can be transported in bulk over long distances. Mahdi highlighted the project's integrated system, which includes large-scale hydrogen production, advanced liquefaction, refrigerated container shipping, and regasification facilities in Europe. Such an ecosystem, he said, could serve as a clean energy artery linking the Middle East with Europe. Chart Industries, he said, is currently collaborating with a number of developers in the MENA region to produce and liquefy hydrogen locally for eventual export to Europe. He noted in this regard that, as a pioneer in this field, Oman would set standards and establish infrastructure models for other Arab countries to emulate. Matt Moran, Managing Director of Moran Innovation LLC, a leading player in hydrogen liquefaction, emphasized Oman's early leadership in the liquefied hydrogen sector. He cited the nation's abundant solar potential, low-cost land, trained workforce, existing gas infrastructure, and access to seawater and methane as significant advantages. He also stressed the importance of learning from other hydrogen export projects, such as Australia's shipments to Japan, and highlighted Germany and the Netherlands as natural trade partners due to their strong demand, infrastructure, and LNG ties. Frank Wouters, Chair of the Hydrogen Alliance for the Middle East and North Africa, noted that while liquefied hydrogen is gaining momentum, it's one of several viable transport methods—others include ammonia or liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Interest in liquefied hydrogen led to the recent creation of the Dii Liquid Hydrogen Taskforce (DLHTF) by Dii Desert Energy, a leading international public-private network focusing on green hydrogen. Wouters, who leads the taskforce, said its mission is to clarify the benefits and challenges of this emerging energy carrier.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: OPAZ engages with the community via ‘Tajawob' platform
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) engaged with several suggestions, complaints, reports and inquiries submitted via the national platform 'Tajawob' until the end of May. A total of 44 requests were received, including 12 suggestions, 10 complaints, 20 inquiries and 2 reports, reflecting a growing interaction aimed at enhancing public participation tools. Dr. Ahmed bin Saif Al Mamari, Acting Director of Customer Services Department at Opaz, confirmed that all requests received via the platform have been given due attention since its launch in late February. Complaints were handled within record timeframes, with the shortest response time recorded at under 10 minutes and the longest at two days. Most inquiries focused on investment procedures, company registration and investor visas. Complaints, meanwhile, were referred to the relevant departments for resolution. He stated that the received suggestions were diverse, including the development of incubators in industrial cities, enhancement of the tourism front in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad), and the renaming of certain industrial cities under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). All suggestions have been referred to the relevant departments within the Authority and the zones it supervises for study and evaluation. Al Mamari also mentioned that some of the submissions received via the platform included innovative proposals, reflecting the level of public engagement with global technological and scientific advancements. One notable suggestion involved utilising the advancements in drone technology for the transport sector, which was referred to a specialised consultancy, while technical experts in the zone provided their input directly to the proposer. The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones affirmed that the national platform for suggestions, complaints, reports and inquiries, will contribute to strengthening community partnership and effective communication, as well as improving the business environment through continuous engagement, high transparency and prompt responsiveness. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
18 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
OPAZ engages with the community via ‘Tajawob' platform
Muscat: The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (Opaz) engaged with several suggestions, complaints, reports and inquiries submitted via the national platform 'Tajawob' until the end of May. A total of 44 requests were received, including 12 suggestions, 10 complaints, 20 inquiries and 2 reports, reflecting a growing interaction aimed at enhancing public participation tools. Dr. Ahmed bin Saif Al Mamari, Acting Director of Customer Services Department at Opaz, confirmed that all requests received via the platform have been given due attention since its launch in late February. Complaints were handled within record timeframes, with the shortest response time recorded at under 10 minutes and the longest at two days. Most inquiries focused on investment procedures, company registration and investor visas. Complaints, meanwhile, were referred to the relevant departments for resolution. He stated that the received suggestions were diverse, including the development of incubators in industrial cities, enhancement of the tourism front in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (Sezad), and the renaming of certain industrial cities under the Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn). All suggestions have been referred to the relevant departments within the Authority and the zones it supervises for study and evaluation. Al Mamari also mentioned that some of the submissions received via the platform included innovative proposals, reflecting the level of public engagement with global technological and scientific advancements. One notable suggestion involved utilising the advancements in drone technology for the transport sector, which was referred to a specialised consultancy, while technical experts in the zone provided their input directly to the proposer. The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones affirmed that the national platform for suggestions, complaints, reports and inquiries, will contribute to strengthening community partnership and effective communication, as well as improving the business environment through continuous engagement, high transparency and prompt responsiveness.
Trade Arabia
2 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Arctech to supply solar trackers for Oman green hydrogen project
Arctech, a global leader in solar tracking, racking, and BIPV solutions, said it has signed a strategic contract with India-based ACME Cleantech Solutions to supply 175 MWp of solar trackers for the 300 MTPD Green Ammonia Project in Duqm, Oman. A pure play fully integrated renewable energy company, ACME boasts a diversified portfolio across solar, wind, hybrid as well as firm and dispatchable renewable energy (FDRE) projects. As per the deal, Arctech will deploy its signature 1P Single Axis Solar Tracking System Skyline II, engineered for harsh environments, to support the solar PV component powering one of the first large-scale green hydrogen production facilities in the Middle East region. These trackers will be delivered in phases starting from July, said Arctech in a statement. The project is located near the southeastern coast of Oman, a region characterised by coastal desert conditions including sandy soils, high wind speeds (up to 55 m/s), C5-level corrosion exposure, extreme temperatures and high levels of solar radiation, with an annual average of around 5,764 KWh/m2. The area's favourable climate, with high solar insolation, has made it a prime location for utility-scale solar projects. In recent years, Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has introduced renewable energy initiatives such as a new Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project in Duqm. OPWP is actively working toward a diverse energy mix, aligning with the national target of sourcing 35–39% of electricity from renewables by 2040. This new partnership reinforces Oman's long-term vision and positions the Duqm region as a central hub in the global energy transition. Vipin Aggarwal, VP of Procurement in Green Hydrogen and International Business, expressed delight at partnership with Arctech for its 300 MTPD Green Hydrogen project in Oman.
Times of Oman
3 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
World Bank praises Oman Vision 2040
Muscat The World Bank has commended Oman's Vision 2040 for its focus on sustainability and integration with the global economy, describing the economic reforms adopted by the Sultanate as a model for successful economic diversification efforts. In an article published on its website, the bank highlighted that the vision prioritizes the development of human capital and the improvement of education quality. It also fosters a culture of research and innovation by launching new funding programs to support scientific research and transform ideas into marketable products. Additionally, innovation clusters and business incubators have been established to nurture startups and turn student projects into commercial enterprises. Young entrepreneurs receive financial and training support through public-private sector partnerships. The report noted that Oman has implemented major regulatory reforms to stimulate private sector growth and attract foreign investment. These measures are crucial in creating a business-friendly environment, strengthening the role of the private sector, and modernizing ports, airports, and free zones. The development of the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, along with improvements at Salalah and Sohar ports, reflects this strategy. These investments aim to facilitate the flow of goods and position Oman as a key player in global supply chains. According to the article, the economic transformation is becoming increasingly evident, as non-oil sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, construction, food security, and water management are experiencing rapid growth, reflected in economic and developmental projects across various governorates of Oman.
