Oman and Belgium have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on green hydrogen. The agreement was signed between Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) and the Belgian Hydrogen Council (BHC). It aims to enhance cooperation across the hydrogen value chain and promote global hydrogen development.
The MoU highlights Oman’s potential as a producer of green hydrogen and Belgium’s role as an industrial hub for hydrogen in Europe. The partnership is expected to improve energy security and support the development of a supply chain connecting hydrogen producers with international markets.
The agreement builds on decades of bilateral relations between Oman and Belgium. One project is Hyport Duqm, a collaboration between Oman’s OQ Alternative Energy and Belgium’s DEME, which focuses on producing and exporting green hydrogen. A 47-year Project Development Agreement for Hyport Duqm has been signed to enable this partnership.
In 2023, Oman and Belgium also signed a declaration of intent to develop hydrogen certification and trade frameworks. These efforts are made to create standards for hydrogen production and establish systems for international trade.
Oman has been expanding its renewable energy projects in recent years. In addition to green hydrogen, large-scale solar and wind energy initiatives have been launched. Oman’s Manah I and Manah II solar projects, expected to generate 1 GW of electricity, are currently under development. These projects will contribute to the country’s renewable energy goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Dhofar Wind Power Project, the first large-scale wind farm in the Gulf region, has also been operational since 2019.
Hydrom oversees Oman’s green hydrogen strategy and is responsible for developing projects and infrastructure to produce and export hydrogen. Belgium is seen as an important partner due to its industrial capacity and access to European markets.
