The EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition project organized a significant event in Muscat, Oman, during the Oman Renewable Hydrogen Summit 2023 (OGHS23) on December 13th, 2023. This event focused on the EU-Oman Renewable Hydrogen Collaboration, marking notable progress in sustainable development.

EU GCC Green Transition Project

Led by Commissioner Kadri Simson, the EU Commissioner for Energy, with the participation of Mr Mohsin Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of Ministry of Energy and Minerals, The Sultanate of Oman and Mr Christophe Farnaud, EU Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, and Sultanate of Oman the event emphasized the EU and Oman's shared commitment to moving towards net-zero economies. It served as a platform to turn commitments into tangible projects, fostering collaboration across regions.

Aligned with Oman's Vision 2040 and the European Green Deal, the symposium highlighted a collective vision for climate-neutral economies. Discussions focused on clean energy and hydrogen's role in addressing climate emergencies.

The event featured various sessions, including a Fireside Discussion on EU-Oman Renewable Hydrogen Political engagement and ways forward, followed by Panel Sessions:

EU GCC Green Transition Project

Panel Session 1: Regulation for a shared understanding and cooperation: Similarities and Differences in the EU’s and Oman’s Hydrogen Policies

Panel Session 2:  The Economy Dimension: Market Opportunities and Restrictions and Investment Prospects in Renewable Hydrogen

Panel Session 3: Technical limitations and innovations as a field of collaboration

Key takeaways from the event included:

• Hydrogen as a Symbol for Clean Energy Transformation: Highlighting opportunities for economic diversification and leveraging renewable potential to decarbonize economies.
• EU-Oman Cooperation: Emphasizing the potential for collaboration between the EU and Oman, leveraging Oman's expertise and strategic geographical position.
• EU Regulatory Framework for Hydrogen: Outlining the EU's first set of rules globally to regulate the future hydrogen market, providing clarity for investors.
• Policy and Funding Tools in Place: Discussing the range of policy and funding tools on both the supply and demand sides, including legal obligations to ensure a significant share of hydrogen consumption in the industry comes from renewable sources.
• Certification Schemes for Renewable Hydrogen: Exploring certification schemes designed to facilitate the trade of renewable hydrogen.
• Infrastructure Projects and European Hydrogen Bank: Announcing the first list of hydrogen infrastructure projects eligible for support and establishing a European Hydrogen Bank to facilitate an early off-take market for hydrogen.

EU GCC Green Transition Project

With over 300 participants engaging in discussions on regulatory frameworks, market opportunities, and technical innovations in the renewable hydrogen sector, the event served as a vital platform for industry collaboration and strategic planning towards a sustainable future.