Oman's Ministry of Energy and Minerals signs two MoUs

In collaboration with the US Department of Energy, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals convened a technical workshop on geologic hydrogen.The workshop's objectives included the exchange of information and ideas concerning geologic hydrogen, facilitating discussions on policies related to its exploration, and fostering commercial and academic partnerships and collaborations between the Sultanate of Oman and the US in the realm of energy research.

One common natural process that generates hydrogen involves the interaction of groundwater with iron-rich minerals, such as olivine rocks found in Oman. These rocks contain significant fractures that can potentially facilitate the leakage of hydrogen to sites near the Earth's surface. Furthermore, the workshop highlighted that geologic hydrogen possesses the potential to serve as a primary energy source that is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It can be extracted from underground reserves through drilling procedures, similar to the extraction of other gases, once discovered in significant quantities.

On the sidelines of this meeeting, H.E. Mohsen bin Hamad Al-Hadrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, entered into two MoUs with the American company, Eden Geopower, and the Omani Earth Sciences Consultancy Centre. These agreements aim to facilitate scientific dialogues to conduct extensive preliminary studies for assessing the potential and opportunities in geologic hydrogen exploration. Furthermore, they will identify suitable locations for conducting experimental research in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals.

Following the MoU signing, H.E. Mohsen bin Hamad Al-Hadrami, expressed: "The expansion of the hydrogen sector as a clean energy source holds strategic significance within our energy transition plan, particularly in terms of its economic and environmental aspects. It will play a pivotal role in global energy security. Hence, the role of research and exploration in this sector is of utmost importance to achieve optimal outcomes. Collaboration and coordination with international experts are fundamental elements that contribute to advancing the scientific and technical dimensions and attracting investments. Our goal is to firmly establish the Sultanate of Oman as a leading and trustworthy player on the global stage in this sector."

 

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/26092023/omans-ministry-of-energy-and-minerals-signs-two-mous/