RIYADH: Oman and Belgium have expanded their green hydrogen collaboration with the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing the global clean energy economy.

The agreement, inked between Hydrom Oman and the Belgian Hydrogen Council, was a key milestone during Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said’s official visit to Belgium, the Oman News Agency reported.

This agreement aligns with Oman’s goal to produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency’s Renewables 2024 report. The country is one of the few in the Middle East advancing beyond its national targets for low-carbon hydrogen production.

Oman has set its sights on attracting $40 billion in green hydrogen investments by 2030, with that figure expected to rise to $140 billion by 2050. The MoU further supports these aspirations, creating a platform for exchange and collaboration between industrial entities, universities, research institutes, and policymakers in both countries.

The cooperation will focus on analyzing the value chains for importing green hydrogen, developing shipping infrastructure in Oman, and overcoming legislative challenges. Additionally, the deal will promote joint research initiatives and support technical training programs and awareness campaigns to foster green hydrogen adoption.

The MoU was signed by Salim bin Nasir bin Said Al-Aufi, Oman’s minister of Energy and Minerals and chairman of Hydrom Oman, and Tom Hautekiet, chairman of the Belgian Hydrogen Council. 

The signing was witnessed by high-level officials, including Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq earlier this week. During the two-day state visit, both parties discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas such as energy, security, and infrastructure.

The agreement also follows Oman’s commitment to leveraging its low-cost land for hydrogen production projects aimed at both local industrial needs and export, particularly for ammonia. 

The IEA’s report highlights how hydrogen use in industry and hydrogen-based fuels are significantly contributing to the growth of renewable energy capacity in both Oman and the broader Middle East region.

Through this MoU, Oman and Belgium are further solidifying their positions as global leaders in green hydrogen, setting the stage for a robust partnership in clean energy innovation.