One step forward for Oman’s green hydrogen: Oman’s Energy and Minerals Ministry and the Belgian Energy Ministry signed an agreement for a Green Energy Certificates pilot project for the sultanate's ambitious green hydrogen Hyport Duqm project, Oman News Agency reports.

What we know: The agreement aims to assess the adherence of green hydrogen production projects in Oman to European Union requirements, unlocking Oman’s potential to export green hydrogen projects to Europe in the future.

What they said: “The faster Europe can certify green hydrogen … the more Belgium can play to its strengths as a European energy hub,” Belgium’s Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten said on Twitter, adding that the growing cooperation with Oman and the progression of this pilot project “are essential building blocks to accelerate this.”

About Hyport Duqm: The project — a joint venture between Belgian Deme and Omani OQ — covers an area of 150 ​​sq km that will see a green hydrogen and green ammonia production facility with a 500 MW electrolysis capacity, according to the Deme website. The hydrogen plant will be powered by c. 1.3 GW of combined installed capacity from wind turbines and solar panels at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm’s renewable energy zone.

All part of a green hydrogen push: Oman’s state-owned green hydrogen company Hydrom — owned by Energy Development Oman — signed six binding term sheet agreements in March worth a combined USD 20 bn with several regional and international developers for the production of green hydrogen. Hydrom expects to seal several of the agreements over the next few months.