Brussels, December 4, 2024 – The Belgian Hydrogen Council (BHC) and Hydrom Oman SPC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance cooperation in the development and deployment of green hydrogen projects. This partnership aims to foster collaboration between Belgium and Oman, two nations at the forefront of the global hydrogen economy, by facilitating joint research, industrial partnerships, and the establishment of a robust regulatory framework to support hydrogen import and distribution.
The MoU builds on previous agreements, including the historic HYPORT Duqm project, and highlights the strategic importance of Belgium as a gateway for green hydrogen into the European Union. Oman’s abundant renewable energy resources and vast infrastructure potential align with Belgium’s need for sustainable hydrogen solutions, making this partnership a critical milestone in the global energy transition.
Tom Hautekiet, Chairman of the Belgian Hydrogen Council, remarked: “This agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening our cooperation with Oman, a key partner in the global hydrogen supply chain. By leveraging Oman’s competitive renewable energy resources and Belgium’s strategic position as a hydrogen hub for Europe, we are creating a powerful platform for innovation, investment, and growth in the hydrogen economy. Together, we aim to build a sustainable energy future, unlocking new opportunities for our industries, researchers, and policymakers.”
Under the MoU, BHC and Hydrom Oman will collaborate on a range of initiatives, including:
· Joint analysis of hydrogen value chains, from production in Oman to import and distribution in Belgium.
· Development of shipping and terminal infrastructure to facilitate hydrogen transport.
· Policy alignment and addressing regulatory challenges to streamline hydrogen trade between the two countries.
· Knowledge-sharing and capacity-building programs to enhance technical expertise and public awareness of hydrogen technologies.
His Excellency Salim Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of Hydrom Oman, stated: “This MoU represents a defining moment in the partnership between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium, advancing our shared ambition to shape the future of the global hydrogen economy. Oman’s potential capacity as a hub for green hydrogen production, combined and Belgium’s role as a promising hydrogen-based industrial hub and strategic connection point to the European market, will strengthen energy security and create a seamless hydrogen supply chain. Together, we aim to accelerate the world’s transition to clean energy by fostering innovation and building the infrastructure needed to connect producers and markets worldwide.”
This agreement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that aims to extend beyond Belgium and Oman, with potential collaboration across other European Union countries, enhancing regional cooperation and promoting green hydrogen as a cornerstone of global energy transition strategies.
About Hydrom Oman
Hydrom serves as the national orchestrator of Oman’s Green Hydrogen Strategy execution and Green Hydrogen economy development. Its mandate includes setting the strategy and advising government on policies and legal framework for the hydrogen sector in addition to delineating government-owned lands earmarked for hydrogen. Hydrom is also responsible for the structuring of large-scale green hydrogen projects, managing the allocation process to developers, and facilitating the development of shared infrastructure and connected ecosystem industries and hubs. Through its role, Hydrom is advancing In-country Value by generating employment, expanding educational resources and developing localized supply chains and industry-adjacent opportunities across the value chain.