New net zero centre to support Oman’s carbon neutrality

• Crucial role to play says ministry
• Comprehensive inventory of emissions
• Responsibility for public awareness

A “net zero centre” has been established by Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals to support the sultanate’s carbon neutrality efforts.

The centre will develop strategies, monitor the implementation of net-zero projects and provide technical support to government and private sectors to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

The new centre “will play a crucial role in expediting the implementation of net-zero initiatives and supporting all sectors in achieving their objectives, as outlined in the national net zero strategy,” the ministry said.

It will focus on adopting and transferring the latest international practices and technologies to the country while supporting scientific research, innovation and developing national capabilities.

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The Oman net zero centre will also be responsible for driving public awareness and community engagement campaigns.

Oman has set a target of 2050 to reach net zero carbon emissions. It aims to reduce emissions 21 percent by 2030 from the 2020 baseline, and to produce one million tonnes of green hydrogen. The country plans to develop 30GW of green and blue hydrogen capacity by 2040.

The sultanate is developing utility-scale solar and wind renewable power projects to achieve these goals and has allocated more than 50,000 sq km for hydrogen production.

It is also working on a project in the Hajar mountains in collaboration with an Omani startup, 44.01. The project removes CO2 permanently by mineralising it in the igneous rock peridotite.

The sultanate is on track to become the sixth-largest exporter of hydrogen globally and the largest in the Middle East by the end of the decade.

The Oman net zero centre will manage requests for carbon, hydrogen and low-carbon product certifications, including reviewing and auditing applications and ultimately issuing certificates in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the Environment Authority.

It will also maintain and update a comprehensive inventory of carbon emissions from different sources.

Oman’s Net Zero 3 initiative, announced by the National Net Zero Programme last November, covers sectors targeted for carbon emission reductions, including energy, industry, transport and buildings.

Under the initiative, 16 projects were introduced to improve energy efficiency and promote electric vehicles, and eight to expand into biofuel and afforestation. Three other projects were added to focus on carbon capture, electrification of operations and gas recycling.