Meed | Oman and Belgium expand hydrogen collaboration

Oman and Belgium expand hydrogen collaboration

5 December 2024

Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) and the Belgian Hydrogen Council (BHC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further strengthen their collaboration in green hydrogen.

According to an official statement, the MoU sets the stage for enhanced cooperation across the hydrogen value chain, reflecting the “shared commitment of both nations to advance the global hydrogen economy”.

Signed in the presence of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the MOU seeks to align policies, promote knowledge exchange and technological advancements, as well as explore opportunities across hydrogen production, infrastructure, transportation and utilisation.

In 2023, Hyport Duqm, an alliance between Oman’s OQ Alternative Energy and Belgium’s DEME, signed a 47-year project development agreement with Hydrom for a project to produce and export green hydrogen.

This was further supported by the 2023 declaration of intent between Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Belgium’s Ministry of Energy to advance hydrogen certification and trade frameworks.

The first joint milestone under the MoU will focus on key areas of collaboration including knowledge sharing, technology development, and infrastructure planning for hydrogen production, shipping, and terminal facilities.

It will also expand on pathways to broader cooperation with other European countries as a part of the MoU promise to address legislative challenges and explore new opportunities for research and development.

Salim bin Nasser Al-Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of Hydrom, said, “Oman’s potential capacity as a hub for green hydrogen production, combined with Belgium’s role as a promising hydrogen-based industrial hub and strategic connection point to European markets, will strengthen energy security and create a seamless hydrogen supply chain.”

Tom Hautekiet, Belgian Hydrogen Council chairman, noted that Oman’s competitive renewable energy resources and Belgium’s strategic position as a hydrogen hub for Europe will enable “a powerful platform for innovation, investment and growth in the hydrogen economy”.

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Jennifer Aguinaldo