MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is at the forefront of countries in using clean energy to produce electricity through its solar and wind power plants, so as to take advantage of available natural resources and preserve the environment at the same time.

It is working on a strategy of orderly transition to zero neutrality, to reduce emissions by 21 percent by 2030.

HE Eng. Salem bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, explained that the Sultanate of Oman is making continuous efforts to achieve zero neutrality and sustainable development by the year 2050 through a declared national plan. This plan is based on the importance of accelerated growth of clean energy and green hydrogen, with steady increase in green spaces and conservation for natural reserves.

He pointed out that the energy sector plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and the risks of climate change by increasing the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind energy. He added that investing in green hydrogen production projects is one of the important pillars towards achieving zero carbon neutrality.

It is in line with the ambitions for Oman to become one of the largest hydrogen producers in the world by 2030, especially with the possession of the natural and geographical components that qualify to pioneer this, he noted.

HE Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, confirmed that Oman is moving forward to fulfill the international obligations and requirements of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, in order to protect the environment and preserve natural resources. He explained that since the Sultanate of Oman’s adoption of the national strategy for an orderly transition to zero neutrality in 2022, and the announcement of the year 2050 for zero neutrality at the national level, the team is working to build plans in partnership with the energy sectors to identify the main projects, initiatives and procedures necessary to reduce emissions by 2030 and reach the approved year ‘2050’.

The Sultanate of Oman is currently working on preparing an environmental performance report, which will be submitted to the United Nations Secretariat next November, in order to highlight all environmental efforts in reducing emissions, climate adaptation, or developing biodiversity. Oman will also submit, by the end of October, the third update of the report on the specific contribution to reducing emissions to the International Organization for Climate Affairs.

He further stated that the coming days will witness the announcement of an environmental investment project in blue carbon, which is one of the nature-based solutions to reduce emissions, through the number of trees that will be planted in the country. He revealed Oman’s readiness to participate in the Cop28 Climate Change Conference, which will be held at the end of November in the United Arab Emirates, noting the formation of a steering committee to organize and highlight the Sultanate’s efforts in various environmental fields.

Source: ONA

Date: 15 Oct w023