DEME Concessions and OQ Alternative Energy have signed a partnership to develop a green hydrogen plant in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, Oman.

The project, which will be developed in cooperation with The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), is looking at installing a between 250 and 500 MW electrolyser in the first phase, with further upscaling expected following this.

A site has been reserved with OPAZ to allow the installation of a solar and wind park on a site located along the windy Omani coast and Arabian Sea to power the project.

In addition, OPAZ is coordinating with government entities to allow for a smart usage of the infrastructure that is being set up in the Special Economic Zone, including access to high voltage power lines, sea water intake for the generation of demineralized water and access to the Duqm Port for the export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

OQ CEO alternative energy Salim Al Huthaili said: “Oman is blessed with solar and wind resources and their potential for renewable energy are amongst the world’s best.

“The prefeasibility study has demonstrated potential for a green hydrogen project in Duqm using solar and wind resources. This has enabled the decision for OQ to enter jointly with DEME into the engineering and design phase of the project."

The Special Economic Zone at Duqm provides a strategic and competitive location to develop large-scale green hydrogen production, given its centrality to global trade, the favourable wind and solar resources, the existing large port facilities and the proximity to a booming industrial zone, the companies said.

The facility will significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of the regional industry in Oman, as well as providing green hydrogen and/or derivatives such as green ammonia to international customers in Europe, they added.

OPAZ chairman Dr. Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi commented: “The start of this cooperation between DEME and OQ is very important, not only for the project, but towards the biggest cause of placing Duqm as hub in the Hydrogen Value chain”

DEME Concessions executive chairman and Port of Duqm deputy chairman Alain Bernard added: “We are thrilled to engage with OQ Alternative Energy into the next step of the ambitious HYPORT® Duqm Green Hydrogen Project.”

“It is a major step in both our collaboration with the Omani Authorities as well as our partner the Port of Antwerp in the development of the Port of Duqm and related industrial and shipping activities.”