As Oman ramps up its ambition to produce up to 8.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2050, a new study suggests that retrofitting the country’s natural gas pipeline infrastructure could provide a cost-effective and technically viable solution for hydrogen transport—both domestically and for export.
Conducted jointly by the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), Oman LNG, and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation’s (MoHERI) research platform EJAAD, the study evaluates whether Oman’s extensive natural gas network can be converted for hydrogen use. With hydrogen hubs planned in Duqm and Dhofar Governorate, the country faces mounting pressure to develop low-cost, scalable infrastructure that can keep pace with projected production and consumption.
The repurposing of gas pipelines is increasingly seen as a pragmatic route for early-stage hydrogen economies. According to Mohammed Al Mukhaini, General Manager of In-Country Value (ICV) at Oman LNG, leveraging existing pipeline corridors provides a significant advantage.
This aligns with global best practices, where reusing gas transmission assets is often more economically viable than greenfield construction—particularly in nations with geographically dispersed demand centers and existing pipeline coverage.
Central to the study was a technical model developed by GUtech researchers, led by Prof Najah Al Mhanna. The model simulates a range of hydrogen-natural gas blends (0–100%) to assess how existing materials and operating conditions would respond to varying hydrogen concentrations.
While hydrogen’s lower density, higher diffusivity, and potential to cause embrittlement in pipeline steels are well-documented challenges, the study suggests that phased retrofitting—aligned with regional demand growth—could mitigate technical risks.
Oman’s energy transition plans depend not only on production and export capability but also on enabling infrastructure that supports domestic hydrogen use in power generation, transport, and industrial decarbonization. EJAAD, a public-private R&D platform, played a pivotal role in coordinating the research effort. The platform links academia with state-owned companies and government ministries, helping align technical studies with national strategic goals.
In this context, the pipeline study is emblematic of how Oman is attempting to de-risk the early stages of its hydrogen strategy. While export via ammonia or liquid hydrogen remains a core objective, domestic consumption—particularly for grid-scale power and heavy industry—will require stable, high-volume distribution solutions. Retrofitting pipelines may offer one of the most efficient pathways, provided material integrity and safety concerns can be adequately addressed.
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