Hydrom, Oman’s green hydrogen orchestrator, announced its third auction round for green hydrogen (gH2) projects at its inaugural gH2 Investor Day, drawing more than 400 global stakeholders, investors and industry leaders. The auction, set to launch in early 2025, builds on the success of previous rounds and aims to solidify Oman’s position as a global leader in renewable energy.

The third auction round is designed to attract a wider pool of international and local investors by incorporating lessons from earlier rounds. This includes refined block allocation strategies, streamlined auction processes and the introduction of double-sided auctions — where both hydrogen producers and downstream industries like green steel and fertilisers can bid simultaneously. Bids will open in Q1 2025, with project awards expected by Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.

Hydrom’s approach emphasises localisation, infrastructure development and alignment with global market trends. This strategy is intended to strengthen Oman’s green hydrogen ecosystem while contributing to the nation’s long-term renewable energy targets outlined in Oman Vision 2040.

Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals (MoEM) and Chairman of Hydrom, remarked: "With this third auction round, Oman is taking a measured and strategic step forward in advancing its green hydrogen ambitions. Our focus is not only on scaling production but also on ensuring that each project is grounded in sustainability, technological innovation and tangible economic value."

He added: "By leveraging Oman’s competitive renewable resources and strategic geographic position, we aim to create opportunities that resonate globally, attract meaningful partnerships, and contribute to a robust and reliable green hydrogen supply chain. This is about delivering real impact — locally and internationally — while positioning Oman as a trusted and capable leader in the global hydrogen economy."

The Investor Day also highlighted Oman’s growing role in the global hydrogen supply chain. A key focus was the ongoing liquid hydrogen export collaboration with the Port of Amsterdam, Ecolog and EnBW, announced during COP28. The partnership recently completed a feasibility study confirming the potential for specialised vessels and infrastructure for liquid hydrogen exports.

The Port of Duqm is central to this export strategy, serving as a vital hub for hydrogen shipments to Europe via the Port of Amsterdam and to Asia-Pacific markets through Singapore. Liquid hydrogen, known for its higher energy density and transport efficiency, is expected to play a crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts by enabling long-distance energy transport.

Eng Abdulaziz Said al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrom, emphasised: "Hydrom’s inaugural gH2 Investor Day has been a powerful demonstration of global interest and trust in Oman’s green hydrogen vision. The insights shared and partnerships explored reflect not only the progress we’ve made but also the immense potential that lies ahead."

He continued:" Our role at Hydrom is to turn this momentum into action — delivering tangible results through the third auction round and beyond, while building a green hydrogen economy that benefits Oman and the world."