The Sultanate of Oman, known for its expansive deserts and rugged terrain, possesses abundant renewable resources that can generate an impressive 300-500 gigawatts (GW) of zero-carbon electricity, according to Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, the Minister of Energy and Minerals. Speaking at the IEEE Power Talks, a three-day forum on the power and energy sector, the minister highlighted Oman's potential to become a leading player in the green energy industry, supported by an estimated 300 GW of offshore wind capacity.
During his keynote address, Al Aufi outlined Oman's ambitious plans to develop a green hydrogen sector in line with the government's Net Zero strategy. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has already signed agreements for six green hydrogen projects, and more are anticipated through the auction route overseen by Hydrom, the driving force behind Oman's nascent green hydrogen industry.
Al Aufi expects the first two auction blocks to be signed by the end of this month or early next month, paving the way for generating 25-30 GW of green electricity within the next 5-7 years. This significant increase in capacity would multiply Oman's current electricity generation, which stands at around 10-11 GW.
The minister emphasized that the total investment in green hydrogen projects is estimated to reach $30-40 billion over the next seven years. While a portion of the green hydrogen output could be converted into green ammonia or other carriers for export, Oman's primary objective is to utilize it to decarbonize the local industry and economy. Looking ahead, Al Aufi envisions the scaling up of Oman's renewable energy output to even greater levels. He stated that the southern region alone has the potential to generate between 300 and 500 GW of electricity from renewable sources, representing a substantial contribution from a single country. However, achieving these figures would require significant work and may materialize by 2050, 2060, or 2070.
The minister also highlighted the promising offshore wind sector, which, although currently not the focus of the ministry due to its higher capital cost, holds tremendous potential. Al Aufi expressed the need to prioritize land-based projects before exploring offshore opportunities. He mentioned the possibility of producing an additional 300 GW of power from offshore sources in the future. Furthermore, areas that have not been considered due to military training zones or environmental reserves could be revisited to explore coexistence possibilities, unlocking further substantial generation capacity.
Oman's pursuit of renewable energy not only positions the country as a frontrunner in the green energy industry but also contributes to global efforts in combatting climate change. With ambitious targets and a commitment to sustainable development, Oman is poised to make significant strides towards a cleaner and greener future.
