The Ministry of Energy and Minerals, in cooperation with the government agencies, has determined appropriate sites for the production of renewable energy such as wind and solar energy and directed them to produce green hydrogen, with the help of local and foreign investment.
According to an official source, the Ministry is cooperating with the Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning and Defense and the Environment Authority for the project.
After the completion of locating the sites and dividing them into small marketable areas, they will be offered to investors for bidding and comparison between the offers, similar to the mechanism in force when offering concession areas for oil and gas.
Some sites will be offered according to the need for investment by local and foreign companies, an agreement will be made based on the investment that begins with renewable energy, the introduction of the latest technology, and the creation of the largest number of job opportunities for citizens, the source added.
The hydrogen energy that comes from the exploitation of renewable energy will be exported as per the concession agreement, provided that it meets the local needs.
“Until now, the number of sites that will be offered has not been determined, as it is necessary to agree first on the locations of the concession areas, which are likely to start from Duqm in the south to Al-Shuwaymiyah in the Wilayat of Shaleem and the Al-Halaniyat Islands, all the way to the Wilayat of Thumrait, as one of the promising areas,” the official source stated.
The first sites of concession or production areas are expected to be launched before the end of this year, in line with the activities of the hydrogen symposium that will be held in November or December.
