Germany’s energy transition and links with Oman

Lighting the home, cooking, running the computer, charging the smartphone... we all realise that this doesn't work for free and that the electricity doesn't come from the socket. However, the fact that energy should be produced in a climate-friendly and sustainable way so that less CO2 is emitted is not as consistently on the agenda everywhere as it is in Germany. We want to become independent of fossil fuels - and that fits in with Oman's goals of finding alternatives to oil and gas. The plan: Germany wants to cover at least 80 per cent of its electricity consumption from renewable energies by 2030 and become climate-positive by 2045. Net Zero is Oman's goal for 2050.

So far, so good... But there's a twist: too little renewable energy (wind power and solar energy) is currently available, which is driving up the costs of the energy transition and causing electricity prices in Germany to rise... Hard to imagine in this country, where air conditioning is running even in deserted hotel rooms or the light is on in the bathroom. In Germany, we educate ourselves to switch off all energy sources when we leave a room - saving energy means saving money. This has been especially true since the last nuclear power plant was taken off the grid in April 2023.

But where will the energy come from in the future? Green hydrogen plays a major role in this respect: as an energy storage and carrier, it is intended to compensate for fluctuations that occur when electricity is generated from renewable energy sources. To this end, Germany is looking for partners in countries with abundant renewable energy sources. Australia, Brazil and Morocco are among them - and in the Middle East, Oman in particular has a lot to offer as an important hydrogen partner. However, there is a catch here too, and that is that many Germans, including those in business and politics, take a critical view of the MENA region. There are concerns about political stability, human rights issues and the environmental impact that large-scale hydrogen production could have. In this respect, it is not just about producing green hydrogen - it is also about proving that this is done in a socially and environmentally sustainable way.

But the chances of this happening are good: during my visits and in many discussions and meetings, I am aware of the country's immense efforts to drive development forward, to seek advice and support (including from Germany) and to build an infrastructure that ensures that the conditions for hydrogen production in Oman are met in partnership. If this development is communicated accordingly in Germany and the goal is consistently pursued together, a fruitful basis will be created to further strengthen the good relations between the two countries thanks to the energy transition in Germany.