Oman Unveils Comprehensive Strategy for Energy Transformation

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals of Oman has announced a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming the Sultanate’s energy sector, a key component of the national goals outlined in “Oman Vision 2040.” The initiative, developed in partnership with both government and private entities, seeks to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050 and drive Oman’s transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

The strategy focuses on several critical areas: energy efficiency, renewable energy, the hydrogen economy, and carbon capture, transport, and storage. It is built upon five fundamental principles: ensuring secure energy supplies, facilitating an organized decarbonization process, enhancing local capabilities for energy transformation, promoting a low-carbon economy, and maintaining Oman’s competitive edge in the global energy market.

Maryam bint Mohammed Al Hashimi, Director of Electricity and Energy Efficiency Policies and Strategies at the Ministry, highlighted that the plan is aligned with Oman’s commitment to economic diversification. “This strategy will not only reduce the carbon footprint but also create new job opportunities, develop national skills, and provide the energy needed to sustain economic growth,” she noted.

Key targets of the strategy include increasing the share of renewable energy in Oman’s energy mix to 30% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and ultimately 100% by 2050. The strategy also sets an ambitious energy efficiency goal of achieving 6 megajoules per US dollar of GDP by 2050. In the transport sector, Oman aims for 100% of vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2050.

One of the most ambitious aspects of the plan is the focus on green hydrogen production, with targets of one million tons by 2030, 3.5 million tons by 2040, and 8 million tons by 2050. This goal is closely tied to Oman’s abundant renewable energy resources, which will play a pivotal role in positioning the country as a leader in the global hydrogen economy.

As part of this transformation, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Oman Hydrogen Company (“Hydrom”), will conduct site tours of renewable energy and hydrogen projects across the Sultanate. These initiatives align with Royal Decree No. 10/2023, reinforcing Oman’s strategic commitment to clean energy development.

The Ministry’s comprehensive strategy is expected to significantly contribute to Oman’s long-term economic growth while addressing global climate challenges, ensuring that the Sultanate remains at the forefront of the energy transition in the region and beyond.