Hydrom, a subsidiary of the state-owned Energy Development Oman, has invited global energy companies to participate in the Round 2 public auction for the development of green hydrogen production in the Dhofar Governorate.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Oman’s quest for renewable energy and offers a lucrative opportunity for companies seeking to invest in sustainable energy projects.
Dhofar Governorate, situated in the southern part of Oman, is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources, including wind and solar power. Hydrom aims to harness these resources to establish a robust green hydrogen industry in the country. The Round 2 Public Auction exclusively dedicates up to three prime blocks, ranging from 340 km2 to 400 km2, for green hydrogen production. This grand endeavor aligns with Oman’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving its sustainability goals.
To ensure that only capable and committed participants with strong financial, development, and operating capabilities enter the competitive bidding process, applicants for the auction will undergo a comprehensive evaluation process conducted in three stages.
The first stage, known as the Minimum Qualification Criteria, sets the bar for applicants. It establishes the minimum requirements participants must meet to demonstrate their capability and commitment. These criteria encompass financial resources, development expertise, and operational capacities, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for green hydrogen projects in Dhofar.
The second stage, the Minimum Bid Criteria, ensures that project proposals align with Oman’s strategic objectives in the green hydrogen value chain. Only bids meeting these requirements proceed to the bid evaluation stage.
The Evaluation Framework constitutes the final stage of the process. It employs a structured and comparative approach to assess bids transparently, adhering to principles of fairness and competition. This stringent evaluation process aims to select the most qualified and suitable bidders for green hydrogen projects in Dhofar.
Interested companies can access detailed auction information on Hydrom’s official website. To participate, companies must submit their Statements of Qualification (SOQ) by the deadline of October 8, 2023.
The subsequent phase, beginning in September 2023, will provide qualified bidders with Request for Proposal (RFP) documents, allowing them to develop their proposals for green hydrogen projects in Dhofar. The bid submission deadline is set for January 2024, providing ample preparation time.
The winners of this auction will be announced by the end of Q1 2024, opening doors to develop and operate green hydrogen projects within the allocated blocks. This significant milestone promises to boost Oman’s renewable energy sector and contribute to reducing carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals.
To maintain transparency and fairness, applicants will register on an online auction platform. A Confidentiality Undertaking will protect sensitive auction information. Applicants should be aware of applicable registration and document fees, aimed at covering administrative costs.
In summary, Oman’s green hydrogen revolution is gaining momentum through Hydrom’s visionary initiatives. With the Dhofar Governorate’s abundant renewable resources and a stringent evaluation process, this auction offers global energy companies a remarkable opportunity to participate in Oman’s sustainable energy transformation. As the winners are announced in early 2024, Oman is poised to become a leading player in the green hydrogen sector, fueling a greener, more sustainable future.
