Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) and Thyssenkrupp Nucera, the electrolyser technology arm of the German industrial engineering firm, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to developing Oman's nascent green hydrogen industry.

The two companies agreed to work together by identifying the potential for localisation and exploring development opportunities in the hydrogen industry.

Werner Ponikwar, chief executive at Thyssenkrupp Nucera, stressed his firm's commitment to "bringing deep expertise in electrolysis technology" to support Oman's hydrogen ambition.

"With decades of experience and innovative solutions in the electrolysis business, we are well-equipped to strengthen our presence in the Middle East by laying the foundation for a successful green hydrogen sector in Oman in partnership with Hydrom,” said Ponikwar.

Green hydrogen is produced through an electrolysis process, which converts water to hydrogen and oxygen. The produced hydrogen can then be used to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries or converted into derivatives, predominantly ammonia.

Green hydrogen ambitions require scaling up electrolyser capacity globally, according to experts.

Oman's green hydrogen strategy aims to develop a green hydrogen production capacity of 1.4 million tonnes a year (t/y), a plan many describe as ambitious.

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According to Hydrom managing director,  Abdulaziz Said Al-Shidhani, green hydrogen "has the potential to be a central element in Oman’s clean economy, supporting a more sustainable and decarbonised future".

"Through the development of a competitive and sustainable green hydrogen ecosystem, we aim to position the sultanate as a leading global green hydrogen hub"

Al-Shidani added that its collaboration with the German elecrtolyser technology firm is a "further significant step on our way to achieve our ambition".

Established in 2022, Hydrom is overseeing the implementation of Oman’s green hydrogen strategy and has awarded over 2,300 square kilometers of land for large-scale green hydrogen production.

Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salim Nasser Al-Aufi witnessed the signing of the preliminary agreement during Hydrom’s inaugural GReen Hydrogen (gH2) Investor Day in Muscat held on 11 December.

Vision 2040

Oman’s Vision 2040 aims to diversify its economy and prioritise sustainability through the development of renewable energy and green technologies.

In line with this vision, Oman is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with green hydrogen playing a key role in the transition.