Latest news with #OQ
Zawya
17 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.
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
What if climate solution was also our most overlooked?
I often find that the most powerful ideas are the ones we overlook. We get caught up in chasing innovation, in launching megaprojects, in building the future as if it is something far away. But sometimes, the real transformation is already here. Quiet. Practical. Waiting for us to notice. That is how I have come to think about energy efficiency. When I first started the Oman Climate Dialogues a couple of years ago, I wanted to create a space for conversations that were missing. Not panels filled with prepared statements. Not technical deep dives that left no room for reflection. But dialogue that connects policy with practice and intention with action. At the time, I felt that too many of our climate conversations were happening behind closed doors, framed around technology and finance, but missing the human pulse. We needed to open the space. This latest conversation focused on energy efficiency. And it revealed a strange contradiction. Across Oman, there is clear evidence of momentum. SOHAR Port and Freezone is implementing both pilot initiatives and large-scale optimisation projects. OQ is embedding efficiency into its operations as part of how it measures performance. The Oman Net Zero Centre is preparing to announce the results of its first public tender for government building retrofits. The Central Bank of Oman, perhaps unexpectedly, now holds the title of the most energy-efficient public building in the country. These are not small wins. They are proof that change is under way. And yet, how often do we hear about these successes? These efforts are happening, but they are not being shared. We are doing the work, but we are not telling the story. That silence has consequences. When projects remain tucked inside internal reports or procurement files, we lose momentum. When institutions act alone, we duplicate effort. When something that saves money, reduces emissions and builds local capability is barely mentioned in public discourse, we are missing the point. Oman has already put the right tools in place. Energy efficiency codes are now mandatory for all new buildings. Every air conditioner sold in the market must meet national performance standards. These policies matter. But what about the buildings constructed before these codes existed? What about the legacy infrastructure still consuming excessive power across ministries, malls and homes? The current strategy rightly focuses on large-scale public and commercial buildings first. Residential retrofits will follow. But we should be honest. These early efforts cannot succeed in isolation. They need to be visible. They need to be understood. They need to inspire others. Because energy efficiency is not just a climate tool. It is an economic strategy. It creates jobs in engineering, retrofitting and auditing. It strengthens energy security. It contributes directly to maximising local value. And it opens space for young Omanis and SMEs to lead in a field that is only growing. So why, with all of this in place, does energy efficiency still feel like an afterthought? Maybe because we still think of it as a side project. Something technical. Something someone else is doing. But it is not. It is national infrastructure. It is industrial strategy. And above all, it is common sense. The good news is that we do not need to invent anything new. We need to look again at what is already working and ask why we are not learning from it. We need to talk to each other more openly. Not to impress. Not to compete. But to align. Sometimes, the only thing standing between the overlooked and the obvious is the courage to start the right conversation. Rumaitha al Busaidi The writer is environmental strategist and advocate for sustainable development
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
OQ forum gathers global experts to advance internal audit in Oman
MUSCAT: Affirming its commitment to transparency, good governance and excellence in institutions, OQ, the global energy group of Oman, organised the Internal Audit Forum in partnership with Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Oman and KPMG. Held under the auspices of Shaikh Ghosn bin Hilal al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI), the two-day event took place at the JW Marriott Muscat Hotel and attracted over 300 internal audit specialists across Oman's public and private sectors. Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Hamad al Harthy, Chief Internal Audit Officer at OQ Group, said the company marks International Internal Audit Month by hosting a series of important activities and knowledge exchange forums. "OQ continues to invest in in-country talent and collaborate with its international peers to exchange best practices and adhere to international best practices in control, compliance and risk management," he added. Speaking to the Observer, Warren Hersh, IIA Quality Service Director, stated, "The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is the international umbrella organisation cooperating with over 115 national institutes around the world, including Oman," said Hersh. "Essentially each country has an institute and we work closely with them on priority issues such as co-operation, internal audit quality and the setting of worldwide standards. We're also keen to understand how the internal audit profession will change and develop to address future challenges,' he stated. Harris Matin, who is a KPMG Advisory Partner, said, 'We are pleased to assist OQ on this milestone for the internal audit profession in Oman.' He added, "Over the course of these two days, we will seek to engage, cooperate and reflect on our personal experience as we shape the future of internal audit in the Sultanate of Oman. I congratulate OQ on this tremendous achievement in bringing together such a rich basket of talent and we anticipate many more significant joint efforts in the future." Among the top-of-mind issues covered were digital transformation in auditing, geopolitical risk, embedding ESG, cybersecurity and developing integrated assurance frameworks. Attendees discussed global and regional trends, regulatory developments in Oman, highlighting the key role of the internal audit function in enabling sustainable governance and organisational resilience. Sessions highlighted how audit functions can offer greater strategic contributions by innovating, being nimble and collaborating cross-functionally. Delegates included IIA Oman board members, senior officials of the Oman Investment Authority, public and private sector executives; and IIA Global representatives. The forum is an integral part of OQ's broader transformation journey towards infusing accountability, resilience and high performance in all its operations. It also reflects the company's commitment to playing its part in supporting national aspirations for developing a modern, responsible and innovation-driven private sector. The leadership at OQ emphasised the role of internal audit in shaping decision-making and maintaining trust in institutions, referring to it as one of the key drivers of long-term value creation and governance excellence.
Times of Oman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
OQ Group hosts Internal Audit Forum
Muscat: OQ, the global energy investment group, hosts the Internal Audit Forum in collaboration with the Institute of Internal Auditors Oman and KPMG. The two-day event, held under the auspices of Sheikh Ghosn Hilal Al Alawi, Chairman of the State Audit Institution (SAI), welcomed over 300 internal audit professionals from the public and private sectors. In his remarks, Abdulrahman Ahmad Al Harthy, Chief Internal Audit Officer at OQ Group, stated: 'Hosting this forum reflects OQ's commitment to strengthening effective audit practices and contributing to developing transparent, accountable, and well-governed institutions. We consider internal audit a central pillar for organisational empowerment and decision-making.' The forum coincided with International Internal Audit Awareness Month and convened experts from around the world to explore the evolving role of internal audit as a strategic business partner. Discussions addressed a wide spectrum of themes, including the digital audit revolution, emerging geopolitical risks, ESG considerations, cybersecurity, and integrated assurance models. The agenda was designed to equip internal auditors with the tools and insight needed to elevate performance, build trust, and drive organisational resilience. 'At OQ, we celebrate International Internal Audit Month with impactful initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms, investing in national talent and exchanging expertise with global peers to uphold best practices in control, compliance, and risk management,' Al Harthy added. Forum sessions examined global audit trends, regulatory shifts in Oman, and the future of internal audit excellence, underscoring its role in advancing sustainable governance models aligned with Oman's national strategies. Delegates explored how internal audit can add strategic value across organisations through greater integration, innovation, and agility. The forum was attended by more than 300 internal auditors from various public and private sector organisations. Also in attendance were members of the Board of the Institute of Internal Auditors in Oman, the Oman Investment Authority, senior executives, and representatives from the Institute of Internal Auditors Global. This initiative is part of OQ's broader transformation journey to embed accountability, resilience, and performance across its business, while supporting national efforts to foster a modern, responsible, and innovation-led private sector
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Duqm to anchor OQ's e-fuels push
MUSCAT: OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), the renewables subsidiary of Oman's integrated energy group OQ, is progressing with plans to establish an e-fuels hub in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), marking a significant step in Oman's energy transition strategy. The e-fuels hub, detailed in the OQ Sustainability Report 2024, will pilot the production of synthetic fuels — namely e-Methanol, e-Gasoline, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF) and e-NG (synthetic natural gas). These fuels are expected to be produced using green hydrogen combined with biogenic carbon dioxide, offering a scalable pathway to decarbonise the transportation and industrial sectors. The initiative forms part of OQ's broader mandate to support OmanVision 2040 and the Net-Zero 2050 Strategy by advancing clean energy infrastructure and positioning Duqm as a global green energy hub. The report highlights Duqm's growing role in the green hydrogen value chain. In addition to the e-fuels pilot, OQ is developing a 10–15 megawatt green hydrogen demonstration plant in SEZAD. The facility is expected to provide hands-on operational experience while supporting future commercial-scale projects. OQ's energy portfolio in Duqm already includes several flagship ventures, including HYPORT Duqm — a 1.3 GW renewable energy joint venture with DEME and BP — and the Green Energy Oman (GEO) project, a collaboration with Shell, InterContinental Energy and Enertech. 'These pilot projects aim to demonstrate the technical viability of synthetic fuel production while unlocking downstream demand for green hydrogen in shipping, aviation and industrial use,' the report stated. OQ is also exploring opportunities to position Oman as a global bunkering destination for low-carbon fuels and is developing downstream applications to boost market demand. The company is piloting new vectors such as methanation and carbon utilisation technologies that convert green hydrogen and capture CO₂ into cleaner fuels. The proposed e-fuels hub is expected to play a strategic role in building Oman's green hydrogen export capabilities, offering direct access to international markets via Duqm Port. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
