DEME and OQ Alternative Energy (OQ) are launching a joint project to build a world-leading green hydrogen plant in the Special Economic Zone in Duqm, Oman, in collaboration with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ).
The project is well compatible with the Sultanate’s renewable energy strategy, which promotes investment in renewable and alternative energy resources and also contributes to the achievement of the Oman Vision 2040 renewable energy goals.
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm offers a strategic and competitive location for the development of large-scale green hydrogen production, given its centrality to global trade, favorable wind and solar resources, existing large port facilities and proximity to the booming industrial zone.
The facility will make a major contribution to the decarbonization of the regional industry in Oman, as well as to the supply of green hydrogen and/or derivatives (such as green ammonia) to foreign customers in Europe. The predicted electrolyser capacity for the first phase is estimated to be between 250 and 500 MW. Following this first step, the upscaling of the installation is also envisaged. The benefit of being located in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm is the availability of competitive renewable energy (solar and wind) as well as large open sites.
The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) is extending its full support to promote the implementation of the Duqm Special Economic Zone project. The site has been reserved with OPAZ to allow the construction of a solar and wind park on a site ideally situated along the windy coast of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
In addition, OPAZ communicates with all government-related agencies to enable the smart use of the infrastructure that is being set up in the Duqm Special Economic Zone. This includes access to high voltage power lines, access to seawater intake for the production of demineralized water, and access to the port of Duqm for the export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
“The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) is extending its full support to promote the implementation of the Duqm Special Economic Zone project. The site has been reserved with OPAZ to allow the construction of a solar and wind park on a site ideally situated along the windy coast of Oman and the Arabian Sea. In addition, OPAZ communicates with all government-related agencies to enable the smart use of the infrastructure that is being set up in the Duqm Special Economic Zone. This includes access to high voltage power lines, access to seawater intake for the production of demineralized water, and access to the port of Duqm for the export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.”
Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, chairman of the board of directors of OPAZ.
“Oman is blessed with solar and wind resources and their potential for renewable energy are amongst the world’s best. OQ always looks to maximise the resources available to us, and our utilisation of these renewable resources is just beginning. The prefeasibility study has demonstrated potential for a green hydrogen project in Duqm using solar and wind resources. This has enabled the decision for OQ to enter jointly with DEME into the engineering and design phase of the project.”
Salim Al Huthaili, CEO alternative energy at OQ.
“We are thrilled to engage with OQ Alternative Energy into the next step of the ambitious HYPORT® Duqm Green Hydrogen project. It is a major step in both our collaboration with the Omani Authorities as well as our partner the Port of Antwerp in the development of the Port of Duqm and related industrial and shipping activities.”
Alain Bernard, executive chairman DEME concessions and deputy chairman Port of Duqm Company.
