Omani Green Ammonia Exports to Europe Starting Next Year: How This Boosts Investment and Business Opportunities in Oman
MUSCAT – Oman’s first shipment of green ammonia to Europe is anticipated around this time next year, announced Eng. Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Speaking at the World Hydrogen Summit 2026 in Rotterdam, Al Aufi described this shipment as a significant milestone in Oman’s rapid transition toward a green hydrogen economy. However, he emphasized the need for the industry to scale up more quickly to achieve global commercial viability.
The shipment will originate from ACME Group’s advanced project in Al Duqm, marking the commercialisation of Oman’s emerging green hydrogen sector. In its initial phase, the ACME subsidiary plans to produce approximately 100,000 tonnes per year of green ammonia for export. The designated offtaker is Yara International, a leading fertiliser and industrial solutions firm based in Norway.
Under the theme “Why Oman Is Ready to Scale Hydrogen & Why Speed Now Matters Globally,” Al Aufi pointed out that current project sizes in the sector are too small to significantly reduce costs or build a globally competitive hydrogen market. He called for enhanced international cooperation and faster project expansion, urging the industry to move beyond pilot projects to full-scale industrial deployment.
Al Aufi highlighted Oman’s strategic advantages in the hydrogen economy, including its abundant renewable energy resources, strategic geographic location linking Asia and Europe, existing energy infrastructure, and a supportive regulatory framework designed to attract global investment. He reaffirmed green hydrogen as a central component of Oman’s long-term economic diversification and decarbonisation plans.
He also reiterated Oman’s goal of achieving a levelised cost of about $3 per kilogram for green hydrogen. The ACME project in Al Duqm has the potential to scale up to around 1.2 million tonnes per year in later phases. However, Al Aufi stressed that this expansion depends on clear, stable, and long-term offtake commitments from European buyers, currently challenged by uncertainty surrounding the RFNBO (Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin) framework.
Addressing EU policymakers directly, the minister urged them to finalise the RFNBO definition and ensure regulatory stability over multiple years to provide the certainty necessary for projects to reach final investment decisions.
Energy sector sources also quoted Al Aufi on the rising potential of liquid hydrogen as a future global energy carrier, indicating it may become a preferred option for international hydrogen transport.
The minister noted that the hydrogen sector is entering a more mature stage, shifting from early-stage announcements to practical aspects of global trade, infrastructure development, and logistics. Emphasis is now increasingly on transportation, storage, and end-use applications, highlighting the importance of fully integrated supply chains connecting producers and consumers.
Al Aufi was recognized by the summit organizers as a nominee for the event’s “Person of the Year” award, honoring his leadership in developing Oman’s green hydrogen strategy and the Hydrom auction programme.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s upcoming first shipment of green ammonia to Europe marks a pivotal moment in its green hydrogen industry, signaling strong growth potential for energy exporters and associated sectors. Businesses should eye investment opportunities in scaling renewable energy infrastructure and supply chain integration, while entrepreneurs must navigate evolving regulatory frameworks, particularly the EU’s RFNBO rules, to capitalize on long-term demand. Smart investors should consider Oman’s strategic location and supportive policies as key advantages for becoming a global green hydrogen hub, balancing the risks of policy uncertainties with the sector’s promising growth trajectory.
