The Sultanate of Oman says it is keen to supply green energy in the form of renewable hydrogen or its derivatives to Switzerland. This was announced by the Omani Minister of Energy and Minerals, Salim bin Nasser al Aufi during an interview broadcast yesterday by Zurich-based NZZ am Sontagg.
Oman aims to produce green hydrogen using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. The country has abundant sources of both solar and wind energy, which makes it an ideal location for green hydrogen production. “That is why we are in contact with Swiss energy suppliers,” Al Aufi said.
Switzerland, on the other hand, is one of the leading countries in Europe when it comes to adopting clean energy. The country has set an ambitious target of reducing its carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050. One of the key strategies to achieve this goal is the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Switzerland has already announced plans to invest heavily in the development of hydrogen infrastructure and technology. The country aims to become a hub for green hydrogen production and distribution in Europe.
The Sultanate of Oman is interested in Swiss know-how in the use and transport of hydrogen. “We are talking to research institutes. And the (Swiss) financial centre is important for us, because most of the time, it will not be Oman who will invest, but rather local and private foreign investors,” the Minister added.
The announcement by Oman comes at a time when the global demand for hydrogen is rapidly increasing. Hydrogen is considered a clean and versatile energy source that can be used in various sectors such as transportation, industry, and power generation. However, the current production of hydrogen is mostly based on fossil fuels, which results in carbon emissions. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is considered a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.
Al Aufi assures that the Sultanate of Oman has great potential for the production of hydrogen from renewable energies. “In the southern part of Oman, we can use wind and solar energy at the same site. Thanks to this combination, we are one of the three regions in the world that benefit from the best conditions,” he added. According to him, there are a few countries in the world that have similar advantage, such as Australia, Morocco, Chile and Namibia.
In March this year, as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Oman, and as Switzerland is committed to closer bilateral cooperation in the field of sustainability, the Swiss Embassy in Oman has invited the Swiss-French graffiti artist Saype to create a giant fresco in Oman. The work of over 10,000 square metre of eco-friendly paint was created in Oman’s largest solar power plant in Ibri and symbolises cooperation on a sustainable world for future generations.
The work was presented to Salim bin Nasser bin Said Al Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals. A partnership between Switzerland and Oman is a natural fit: while Oman has ideal conditions for wind and solar energy, Switzerland has much to offer in the field of sustainable technology.
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