Oman is laying the groundwork for an ambitious energy program: Some 50 sq km of land in the central and southern regions of Oman have been allotted to the development of solar, wind and green hydrogen projects, the Oman Observer reported last week. Oman “has an abundance of land available that is ideal for these projects,” Industry and Investment Promotion Ministry under-secretary Asila Al Samsamiya said at an energy forum in the UK. She did not mention which specific projects the ministry is looking for.

But we do know that the country likes wind: At least five more major wind projects are for procurement between 2021 and 2027, she added.

And energy export is also on the agenda: “Our location offers a great competitive advantage as we are optimally suited to support shipments of local green fuels to markets in Asia, the Middle East and Europe,” Al Samsamiya added.

Generally, Oman has been adamant to get renewable projects off the ground. Only last week, the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and Abu Dhabi-based investment company ADQ identified major investments in wind, solar and hydrogen among others, worth AED 30 bn according to a statement.