Oman to build 400km hydrogen pipeline network

Oman’s natural gas network operator OQ Gas Networks (OQGN) is planning to build a dedicated hydrogen pipeline by 2030, in line with a strategy to develop the sultanate’s renewables sector. 

The funding approval for the 300-400 kilometre project is expected by 2027, Oman Daily Observer reported, citing the majority state-owned company’s 2024 annual report.

OQGN will follow a phased approach, starting with regional pipelines which can expand into a nationwide network. 

“By 2030, the company expects 300-400km of hydrogen pipelines to be built, with the final investment decision expected by 2027,” the company said in the annual report.

The pipeline will support eight consortiums currently developing green hydrogen projects in Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates. 

OQGN is collaborating with Oman’s state-run hydrogen company Hydrom on the technical aspects of the pipeline system. 

The company also conducted a study last year to evaluate the complexities of developing hydrogen infrastructure and its commercialisation. 

Additionally, OQGN is planning a carbon dioxide (CO₂) transport network to link emission sources with storage and utilisation sites. 

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Some CO₂ will be stored underground for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, while other volumes will be used as feedstock in industries such as fertilisers, desalination, and enhanced oil recovery in upstream oil and gas operations, OQGN said in the annual report.

Oman has announced a number of hydrogen-related projects this year. 

The HyDuqm green hydrogen project in Oman, led by a consortium of France’s Engie and South Korea’s Posco, said in March it expects to attract $7 billion to $8 billion in investment to reach full capacity.

Earlier this month, the Gulf state also signed an official agreement to develop a liquefied hydrogen corridor for exports to Europe. The idea was first announced during Cop28 in Dubai in 2023.

The hydrogen rainbow

• Green hydrogen is produced on a carbon-neutral basis through water electrolysis. 
• Turquoise hydrogen is created when natural gas is broken down into hydrogen and solid carbon with the help of methane pyrolysis.
• Blue hydrogen is generated from the steam reduction of natural gas. 
• Grey hydrogen is obtained by steam reforming fossil fuels such as natural gas or coal. 
• Sometimes other colours are ascribed to hydrogen, based on how it is produced. For red, pink and violet hydrogen, the electrolysers are driven by nuclear power. 
• Yellow hydrogen is hydrogen produced from a mixture of renewable energies and fossil fuels. 
• White hydrogen is a waste product of other chemical processes, while the use of coal as a fuel produces brown hydrogen.