OQGN to develop local hydrogen transport network

State-owned OQ Gas Networks (OQGN), the pipeline subsidiary of Oman energy major OQ, and Belgium’s energy infrastructure group Fluxys will jointly develop the infrastructure for hydrogen transportation across the sultanate.

As part of the contract the two companies will hold a minority stake in the hydrogen network, the state-run Oman News Agency reported. No details were given on the investment and plans for the domestic network.

The move aims to support Oman’s green hydrogen and decarbonisation initiatives. 

The companies had signed a memorandum of understanding in September 2023 to develop hydrogen and carbon dioxide networks in the Gulf nation.

Fluxys owns a 4.9 percent stake in OQGN, acquired in the latter’s initial public offering in October 2023.

Pascal De Buck, CEO of Fluxys, said the collaboration is designed to accelerate the energy transition and create a new value chain to export renewable hydrogen to Belgium and Europe.

In April state-run hydrogen company Hydrom signed an agreement to establish a liquefied hydrogen corridor for exports to Europe.

• Oman’s OQGN to expand network as demand grows
• Oman to build 400km hydrogen pipeline network
• Oman’s OQGN to use $1.2bn for gas network expansion

The corridor will be a direct export route for EU-compliant liquefied hydrogen from Duqm port to Amsterdam port.

Last month OQGN announced plans to build a dedicated hydrogen pipeline by 2030, with funding approval for the 300-400 km project expected by 2027.