December 06, 2024 [H2 View]- Belgium and Oman have agreed to “further strengthen” collaboration in green hydrogen as part of a new agreement.

The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed between Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) and the Belgian Hydrogen Council (BHC).

Reflecting the “shared commitment” of both nations to advance the hydrogen economy, the agreement underscores joint efforts to align policies, promote knowledge exchange and technological advancements and explore opportunities across hydrogen production, infrastructure, transportation and utilisation.

H2 View understands that the partnership will also “explore pathways” to broader cooperation with other European countries, “by addressing legislative challenges and exploring new opportunities for R&D.”

Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of Hydrom claimed the MOU is a “defining moment” in the partnership between the two countries.

He added, “Oman’s potential capacity as a hub for green hydrogen production, combined with Belgium’s role as a promising hydrogen-based industrial hub and strategic connection point to European markets, will strengthen energy security and create a seamless hydrogen supply chain.

“Together, we aim to accelerate the world’s transition to clean energy by fostering innovation and building the infrastructure needed to connect producers and markets worldwide.”

The International Energy Agency (IEA) previously reported that Oman, the UAE and Morocco are expected to exceed their hydrogen production capacities by 2030.

The IEA’s report said that Saudi Arabia will contribute to 40% of new capacity between 2024 and 2030, whilst Oman, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq and Morocco will be responsible for 44% of the region’s hydrogen production.