Hydrom and thyssenkrupp nucera eye joint hydrogen opportunities in Oman

Hydrom, an entity orchestrating Oman’s national interest in green hydrogen, and thyssenkrupp nucera, the hydrogen business of German-based engineering company thyssenkrupp, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together in supporting the growing green hydrogen sector in Oman, with the aim of fostering future collaboration.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, during Hydrom’s inaugural gH2 Investor Day in Muscat, Oman, and as disclosed, identifying the potential for localization and exploring development opportunities are key aspects of the intended collaboration.

As already mentioned, Hydrom is the orchestrator for Oman’s hydrogen strategy. The entity has awarded over 2,300 square kilometers of land for large-scale green hydrogen production and is said to play a pivotal role in fostering an integrated ecosystem by identifying local applications, building strategic partnerships and supporting comprehensive market analyses. Reportedly, it is also driving initiatives to streamline regulatory frameworks, enhance infrastructure planning and align workforce development with sector needs.

Abdulaziz Said Al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrom, stated: “Green hydrogen has the potential to be a central element in Oman’s clean economy, supporting a more sustainable and decarbonized 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. Collaborating with thyssenkrupp nucera is a further significant step on our way to achieve our ambition.”

Werner Ponikwar, CEO at thyssenkrupp nucera, commented: “Hydrom is orchestrating all green hydrogen activities including a master plan for the sector in the Sultanate of Oman. As thyssenkrupp nucera, we are committed to bringing deep expertise in electrolysis technology to support this ambition. With decades of experience and innovative solutions in 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.”

Due to its strategic location between two major green hydrogen demand centers in Europe and Asia as well as its infrastructure and logistics capabilities, Oman is considered one of the global first-mover hydrogen markets.

According to its Vision 2040, Oman aims to diversify its economy and prioritize sustainability through the development of renewable energy and green technologies. In line with this vision, Oman wants to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with green hydrogen playing a key role in this transition.

During the gH2 Investor Day, Hydrom unveiled plans to launch the third round of public bidding on lands for green hydrogen projects. As reported, the bidding aims to attract international and local investors, with a focus on enhancing in-country value and preparing the necessary infrastructure.

With the auction process to begin in the first quarter of 2025, winning projects are expected to be announced between the last quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

The first round ended in 2023 with the selection of five large-scale green hydrogen projects, representing a total investment of more than $30 billion and a total production of 750 ktpa. The second round awarded up to three land blocks in the Dhofar area,  bringing the total hydrogen production in Oman to 1.38 million tonnes per year (mtpa) by 2030. 

Among the projects selected in the first two rounds is the Hyport Duqm project which is being developed by Belgian offshore energy and dredging contractor DEME, Omani energy company OQ and, as of recently, UK energy major BP.