MUSCAT: OQ Alternative Energy, part of global integrated energy group OQ, signed an agreement on October 22, 2023, with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, ASYAD Group, Oman Oil Marketing Company, and Air Liquide Group. The purpose of this agreement is to conduct a joint study pilot project on green hydrogen fueling stations in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Duqm. This initiative is being undertaken due to the abundance of solar and wind energy resources in the region, in addition to its strategic location and proximity to target markets.
The agreement was signed by Khamis Mohammed al Shammakhi, Transport Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology; Najla Zuhair al Jamali Chief Executive of OQ Alternative Energy; Ahmed Ali al Balushi, Chief Executive Asset Management, ASYAD Group; Tarik Mohammed al Junaidi CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company and Monica Varagnat, Vice President - Africa, Middle East & India Hub of Air Liquide.
The concept study encompasses the generation of renewable energy from solar and wind energy, green hydrogen production, the establishment of a hydrogen fueling station, and the operation of green hydrogen-fueled vehicles, including trucks and buses, all within the confines the Duqm Special Economic Zone. The study aligns with Oman’s aspirations to in exploiting green hydrogen fuel within the transportation sector, a pivotal step towards achieving zero carbon neutrality. Najla Zuhair al Jamali, Chief Executive of OQ Alternative Energy, stated, “This agreement is an important step to continue exploring the Sultanate’s promising potential in the field of green fuel, with a particular focus on the potential use green hydrogen for land transportation in the Sultanate of Oman. This initiative aligns with our commitment to, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and is consistent with the company’s plans to be a leader in energy transition, which plays a crucial role in positioning the Sultanate of Oman as a global center for green industries. We look forward to the study’s successful outcomes and the upcoming pilot project in cooperation with government agencies and our partners.”
Ahmed Ali al Balushi, Chief Executive Asset Management of ASYAD Group, said: “The study comes within the organizations that ASYAD Group is undertaking in the field of small technological leadership to reduce emissions in various processes that have operational operations, which is in line with the Sultanate of Oman’s plan to reach second leadership by the year 2050. In addition to focusing on developing land transportation assets by providing buses and trucks that operate on biofuel cells, which is very important in exploring all ways for the group to create a clean environment using pure and sustainable fuel.”
Al Balushi emphasized that the joint study reaffirms ASYAD Group’s commitment to sustainability plans and supports green hydrogen projects within the Duqm Special Economic Zone, a key focus area encompassing ASYAD Dry Dock, ASYAD Duqm Terminals and the Port of Duqm.
Tarik bin Mohammed al Junaidi, CEO of Oman Oil Marketing Company, shared, “We look forward to partnering with the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, OQ, Asyad Group, and French Air Liquide in this initiative to study the establishment of a green hydrogen refueling station. A green hydrogen infrastructure will allow us to adapt further to the shift in the energy landscape and contribute to national efforts to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.” He added, “Hydrogen is a game-changer for decarbonizing Oman’s transport sector, and this will enable our Company to further diversify its basket of clean products for our customers.
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