Speaking at the opening of the Green Hydrogen Summit Oman, Salim al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, said, “We are trying to make Oman an International hub when it comes to hydrogen production, renewable energy, and ultimately ammonia for export into international markets, but also hydrogen as a replacement for the current gas consumption in our industries.

“Oman is blessed with vast land, where solar and wind co-exist, where local ports can be a connected to international markets, and close to industries, whether it’s Salalah, Duqm or Sohar, which means it can provide an alternative green clean solution to existing industries. The energy transition is relying on hydrogen to fuel existing industries and get us to the Net Zero target which we’ve set for 2050.”

Jindal Shadeed Iron and Steel (JSIS) is to invest $3bn in developing a green steel plant, according to reports.

JSIS, whose current production capacity is 2.4 million tonnes, claims it is the only mill in the GCC to have Vacuum Degassing facility which enables to produce a wide range of grades.

In addition to ground transport through the Muscat-Dubai highway, with a dedicated 60m jetty, JSIS benefits from unimpeded inflow of raw materials and outflow of steel products by sea.

Oman’s hydrogen hub aspirations add another intriguing dimension in a region increasingly focused on hydrogen and renewable energies.

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project aims to produce 600 tonnes of green hydrogen daily, while the UAE is keen to position itself as a leader in low-carbon hydrogen.

Next week’s MENA Industrial Gases Conference 2022 at the W Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina, in Abu Dhabi features a dedicated focus on ‘The hydrogen economy’. The gasworld team will be reporting on latest news and trends throughout the two-day conference and exhibition.