Eng Salim Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, announced that round 2 of Oman’s hydrogen block auction has received a positive response, catalyzing affirming reactions from global clean energy investors.
The Omani government offered up three land blocks under this bidding arrangement, striving to attract significant investments in green hydrogen production.
Reportedly, this round’s concluding bids mirror the substantial interest noted during the initial auction round that was conducted by Hydrom, the hydrogen industry orchestrator, in 2021. The Minister stated, “We saw a repeat of the same strong interest in the second round. Although we thought interest might dwindle a little, it continued passionately throughout the bidding process.”
Importantly, the allocated three land blocks are strategically located in Dhofar Governorate. Oman aims to reach a green hydrogen production capacity of 1 million tons per annum by 2030, and the award of these blocks by end of Q2 2024 is integral to this aspiration.
In motif with these ambitious targets, Round 1 of the block auction presented the first two parcels of land in Al Wusta Governorate. The round instigated over 160 international expressions of interest, out of which 60 underwent a thorough qualification process. This process culminated in the emergence of a selection of highly credible consortiums who eventually vied for the land blocks.
