Omani researchers have successfully concluded a pivotal study exploring the potential to repurpose the Sultanate’s extensive natural gas pipeline network for the transportation of green hydrogen.

The joint initiative, spearheaded by the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) and Oman LNG, in collaboration with EJAAD, a research and development platform under the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, is critical to the nation's ambitious decarbonization goals. 

It highlights pipeline-based transportation as essential for Oman’s future green hydrogen economy as the country works towards producing up to 8.5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2050. 

A significant portion of the green hydrogen produced would be used domestically to power the country’s clean energy transition.

Based on the initiative, green hydrogen production hubs would be established for Duqm and Dhofar Governorate, allowing for cost-effective infrastructure. 

"The infrastructure is already well-established and socially accepted, reducing both cost and complexity compared to building an entirely new hydrogen network," said Mohammed Al Mukhaini, General Manager ICV at Oman LNG, emphasizing the strategic advantage of repurposing existing pipelines. 

Al Mukhaini added that this approach directly supports Oman's accelerated pursuit of its 2050 Net Zero targets.

Prof. Najah Al Mhanna, Principal Investigator at GUtech, also noted that the repurposing process could be phased depending on future hydrogen supply and demand. 

“Oman’s natural gas pipeline network is well developed, linking the central and northern regions to the south. Retrofitting any segment of this network for hydrogen transport requires rigorous analysis of operating conditions, gas mixtures, and physical properties,” he explained. 

The study rigorously analyzed operating conditions, gas mixtures, and physical properties to develop a model calculating the levelized cost of transporting various natural gas-hydrogen blends through existing infrastructure.

The partnership between Oman LNG and GUtech was facilitated by EJAAD, underscoring the value of public-private partnerships in driving Oman's energy transition and economic diversification.