Oman seeks stronger Korea ties in green hydrogen sector

Mohsin Hamad Al Hadhrami, Omani undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, speaks during the Korea-Oman Green Hydrogen Forum at the Embassy of Oman in Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Oman’s top energy official urged stronger cooperation with Korea on green hydrogen on Monday, saying both nations are well positioned to lead the global transition to clean energy and address the growing challenges of climate change.

Mohsin Hamad Al Hadhrami, undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, made the comments in a keynote address at the Korea-Oman Green Hydrogen Forum at the Embassy of Oman in Seoul. The event was co-hosted by Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the Omani Embassy, with support from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).

It marked Al Hadhrami’s second visit to Korea, following an initial trip two years ago. He said he was encouraged by the pace of progress in bilateral energy cooperation.

“This is my second time, and I can feel the momentum that is sustained by the two nations,” he said. “Progress of humanity is all about connection. Without connection there is no progress, and that is why Korea and Oman must continue to work together.”

Green hydrogen is a clean fuel made by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources, such as solar or wind. Because the entire process from electricity generation to the final product produces little to no carbon emissions, it is seen as a key tool for decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors like long-haul transport and steel manufacturing.

The undersecretary described climate change as a challenge that is reshaping economic and social realities worldwide.

“Every year poses challenges when it comes to temperatures. I’m sure our friends in Korea are feeling it — we are also feeling it in Oman and everywhere,” he said. “We see it in the way buildings are designed, in rising power demand for cooling and in how our economies function. All of this is compelling us to work together.”

Al Hadhrami emphasized that Oman has set ambitious targets to become a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen. The sultanate has pledged to produce 1 million tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030 and up to 8 million tons by 2050. He noted that projects already underway are advancing faster than expected, with multi-gigawatt facilities capable of producing 1.5 million tons per year.

“We have made great progress forward,” he said. “From last year’s auctions, which have now matured, we are seeing real projects on the ground. We have also seen Korean industry positively participate, which is very encouraging, and we want to continue building on that momentum.”

Al Hadhrami praised both governments for policy efforts to incentivize investment in green hydrogen, highlighting Oman’s establishment of the “Net Zero Oman 2050” framework to drive decarbonization across sectors. He also pointed to signs of seriousness from the Korean government and KOTRA in promoting hydrogen-related investment.

“We now have clear commitment from both sides,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to translate ambition into real action and achieve results that will benefit both our nations.”

Omani Ambassador to Korea Zakariya Hamed Hilal Al Saadi speaks during the Korea-Oman Green Hydrogen Forum at the Embassy of Oman in Seoul, Monday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Omani Ambassador to Korea Zakariya Hamed Hilal Al Saadi also addressed the forum, describing bilateral relations as a foundation for new energy cooperation.

“The friendship between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Korea is anchored in mutual trust, deep respect and decades of constructive partnership,” he said. “Today we open a new chapter — one defined by our shared responsibility to address climate change and accelerate the transition to clean energy.”

Al Saadi said Oman’s abundant solar and wind resources, along with its strategic location between Asia and Europe, provide the foundation for it to become a global hub for clean hydrogen.

“Our partnership, such as the one we are here to strengthen today, will turn that potential into reality,” he said. “This forum is not just a platform for dialogue but a catalyst for action — a space to align our vision, connect our strengths and explore partnerships that will deliver tangible results for our nations and the world.”

The forum’s program included policy presentations by Al Hadhrami, an investment outlook from state-owned developer Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), case studies of successful Korean participation in Omani energy projects and a networking session designed to connect businesses and institutions from both countries.