MUSCAT: The Oman Petroleum and Energy Show and Oman Sustainability Week for 2025 officially commenced on May 12, 2025, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The opening ceremony was presided over by HH Sayyid Taimour bin Asaad al Said, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Oman, alongside several distinguished ministers, ambassadors, senior officials, and representatives from various relevant entities. This event underscores the increasing national focus on achieving a sustainable and balanced future.

A significant highlight of the opening session was the formal inauguration of the Oman Net Zero Centre, which operates under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. The Centre is dedicated to several crucial areas, especially the ongoing preparation and updating of the national plan aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. It also manages the implementation of pertinent projects and initiatives, providing support and consultation to institutions and stakeholders in order to meet national net-zero targets.

Moreover, the Centre is tasked with defining and revising Oman’s national strategy to attain carbon neutrality by 2050. It offers technical guidance and support to both government bodies and private sector organizations regarding net-zero transition and energy efficiency. The Centre also plays a role in monitoring progress, raising awareness, and building capacity to ensure the effective execution of related programs and initiatives. These efforts reflect Oman’s firm commitment to addressing climate change and promoting clean, renewable energy solutions.

Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, emphasized the importance of the initiative, aligning it with Oman’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. He noted that the initiative has accelerated the development of the renewable energy sector, established supportive legal frameworks and policies, and introduced incentives to attract foreign investment while supporting local industries and localizing clean energy technologies.

The Oman Petroleum and Energy Show and Oman Sustainability Week, organized by CONNECT (Oman Exhibitions Organising Company) and hosted by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), serve as an integrated platform that highlights the significance of securing and sustaining energy. They also showcase Oman’s commitment to achieving a balanced and progressive future.

Commenting on the significance of these events, Minister Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi stated, “Having multiple conferences and activities under one roof allows us to send a unified message to the world: Oman is fully committed to cleaner energy, without compromising its core capabilities in oil and gas production.” He also pointed out the country’s advancements in renewables and green hydrogen, mentioning the inauguration of two major renewable energy plants earlier this year with a combined capacity of 1 000 megawatts, each exceeding output expectations of over 500 megawatts.

In a further landmark development, Oman launched its first green hydrogen production, storage, and refuelling station. This pioneering project now powers a fleet of more than 15 vehicles, including taxis at Muscat airport.