Energy & Minerals Forum Highlights Development Path in Oman’s Al Sharqiyah

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals held an Energy and Minerals Forum on October 27, 2024, in North and South Al Sharqiyah Governorates, led by Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Mohsen bin Hamad al Hadhrami and North Al Sharqiyah Governor Mahmoud bin Yahya al Dhahli. The forum aimed to foster local community engagement and support national goals aligned with Oman Vision 2040. It spotlighted ongoing and future projects in the energy and minerals sectors, underscoring the Ministry's commitment to economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and resource optimisation. In his keynote, Al Hadhrami detailed the Ministry’s strategies to maximise value across oil, gas, renewable energy, hydrogen, and mineral sectors. He emphasized the role of modern technology and robust standards in optimising resource use, while supporting economic growth and job creation. Governor Al Dhahli emphasised the forum’s importance as a platform for knowledge sharing on investment prospects, sustainable practices, and local collaboration. He highlighted its role in building partnerships, especially in addressing sector challenges and aligning with Oman Vision 2040 goals. Key officials from the Ministry presented sectoral updates and investment prospects. Eng Saud bin Khamis al Mahrouqi, Director General of Minerals, outlined the minerals sector’s significant growth, with 70.4 million tonnes produced in 2023, 40 million tonnes of which were exported.

Al Mahrouqi introduced upcoming concession areas, slated for bidding in Q4 2024, and initiatives to enhance sector sustainability through advanced compliance systems and Omanisation efforts. He also provided an update on the “Taqa” platform, designed to streamline licensing and attract investors. Dr. Firas al Abduwani, Director General of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen, presented Oman’s renewable energy roadmap, targeting a 30% contribution to the energy mix by 2030. Upcoming projects include a 280 MW solar plant in Al Kamil and a 100 MW wind project in Jalan Bani Bu Ali. These initiatives support Oman’s ambition to produce 1.25 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030 and to elevate renewable capacity in line with Vision 2040’s sustainability objectives. Eng Hamoud al Sawafi, Director of Oil Production Regulation, provided insights into Oman’s oil and gas sector, highlighting stable reserves and major projects that boost production, supported by national and international energy companies. He showcased digital advancements like the National Center for Oil and Gas Data Preservation, which aims to enhance data-driven operations and efficiency. The forum concluded with a discussion on enhancing transparency, leveraging innovation, and reinforcing community partnerships as foundations for sustainable growth in Oman’s energy and minerals sectors.