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The rising in the demand for energy and CO2 emission reduction target (zero emission) are urging the development of new alternative technologies and approaches. Hydrogen is considered as an essential key element in the sustainable emission free energy sources. The potential of using green hydrogen (H2) has increased globally, and especially in Oman. Therefore, green hydrogen is seen as new economic engine for Oman as the country aims to produce 10 million tons of green hydrogen and reaching Net Zero Emission by 2050, in consonance with Paris Agreement by limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
The development of production, using and transportation of hydrogen will need a specific infrastructure. One of the main H2 industry requirements is the transportation of hydrogen through the pipeline. Consequently, GUtech and OLNG have collaborated in the field of Hydrogen Transportation to investigate the use of the existing infrastructure of natural gas for hydrogen transportation
Commenting on this success, Mohammed Al Mukhaini, General Manager ICV at Oman LNG: “Repurposing Oman’s existing natural gas pipeline network for hydrogen transport offers a significant strategic advantage. This infrastructure is already well-established and socially accepted, which reduces both cost and complexity compared to building an entirely new hydrogen network. Our collaboration with GUtech enables us to explore technically sound and economically viable pathways to support Oman’s clean energy ambitions, particularly as the country accelerates toward its 2050 Net Zero targets.”
The pipeline repurposing can be done progressively depending on hydrogen supply-demand developments.
“The natural gas pipeline in Oman is well developed, and it connects central and north of Oman to the south i.e., connecting the supply facilities to the demand notes (e.g., export and domestic use). Therefore, repurposing any segment of this gas network for transportation of hydrogen requires intensive study that describes the operating conditions and the gas mixture behavior and properties. Also, our research project studied this and offers a conclusion to an economic measure of operation by predicting the transportation levelized cost of full range of NG-H2 blends ( i.e., from 0-100% H2) in the existing Oman NG network” said Prof Najah Al Mhanna from GUtech, the principal investigator of the research.
EJAAD, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (MoHERI), played a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration between Oman LNG and GUtech on this strategic project.
By acting as a central hub, EJAAD streamlined communication between industry and academia, enabling innovative solutions to strategic challenges. This partnership highlights the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing Oman’s Net Zero ambitions and economic diversification. The success of this project reflects the value of coordinated national efforts in supporting the country’s clean energy transition.