Oman is upping its green mobility game: Oman plans to fully decarbonize its mobility sector by 2050 through an ambitious three-phase plan by the country’s Transport, Communications, and Information Technology Ministry (MTCIT), Oman Daily Observer reports, citing comments made by officials at a green mobility forum earlier this week.

The first phase: The green mobility plan’s first phase would promote the use of EVs in the country through several initiatives, including setting up electric charging stations, MTCIT Minister Said Al Maawali said. Al Maawali said 145 charging stations will be accessible by the end of the year and a further 250 stations would be operational by 2040. The short-term plan will also include utilizing hydrogen cells for heavy long-distance trucks, promoting the use of biofuels, and setting necessary frameworks and legislation for future mobility.

And there’s more: The second phase would see the government promote the use of public transport by increasing bus routes and carpool lanes for passenger vehicles and buses, Under-Secretary of Transport Khamis Al Shamakhi said. Establishing a link between public transport to the planned Muscat Metro will also commence after the necessary infrastructure is in place. Other aspects of the second phase include using sustainable aviation fuel, establishing a regional green fuel maritime center, adding hydrogen fueling stations to existing gas stations, and slashing port emissions.

What about the third phase? Finally the long-term plan and final phase will see a full transition to environmentally friendly and self-driving vehicles. Passenger vehicles account for c. 60% of emissions from the country’s transport sector in 2021, according to its Net Zero Report 2022 (pdf). The sector itself accounts for 18% of total carbon dioxide emissions in the country, the report shows. Emissions are expected to grow by 41% by 2050 on the back of population growth, it said.

Shell is all in: Shell Oman has signed MoUs with the MTCIT and two Omani SMEs to support the ambitious decarbonization roadmap, according to a statement. Under the first MoU, Shell Oman will partner with Amlaak Energy for the supply and installation of EV chargers for the energy company. The second MoU will see Shell Oman and Hussam Technology Company partner up to establish fully integrated charging point operator capabilities for the first time in the country.