Oman’s New National Certification System: Strengthening the Carbon Market and Its Implications for Investors and Businesses
MUSCAT: The Oman Net Zero Centre (ONZC) has unveiled plans to create a national framework for the issuance, verification, and registration of energy and low-carbon product certificates within Oman. This initiative represents a significant move toward the establishment of a comprehensive National Carbon Market.
A senior official from ONZC indicated that the certification framework will adhere to international standards and be developed in collaboration with relevant government agencies to ensure both environmental integrity and global acceptance.
“Establishing a robust CO₂ certification framework is a key component of our five-year plan,” said Mohsin al Jabri, Director-General of ONZC. He emphasized that the framework will facilitate verified emissions reductions, enabling industries to engage in transactions domestically and internationally, thereby unlocking financing linked to these reductions and enhancing access to global markets.
In an interview with The Energy Year, Al Jabri detailed plans to create a centralized, authoritative registry for low-carbon claims made in Oman. “ONZC aims to take the lead in certification by establishing an independent, internationally aligned framework for Energy Attribute Certificates and Low-Carbon Product Certification,” he stated. The Centre will act as the sole authority responsible for issuing, verifying, and maintaining these certificates, coordinating efforts with relevant authorities to maintain both environmental integrity and global credibility.
The Centre will also evaluate whether Oman should continue utilizing International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) or transition to European-style Guarantees of Origin, based on market needs and regulatory compatibility.
“These initiatives will enable Oman to issue high-integrity certificates, prevent double counting, enhance low-carbon exports, attract international investment, and significantly contribute to global decarbonization,” added Al Jabri.
Oman has previous experience with I-RECs, which are well-recognized in various international markets. However, as European markets—crucial for Omani green hydrogen and low-carbon fuel exports—favor Guarantees of Origin, which operate under stricter verification standards, ONZC’s review aims to ensure that Omani certificates remain acceptable in these priority export markets and compliant with evolving international climate policies.
Moreover, the Centre plans to launch a Carbon Registry that will digitize the entire carbon credit registration process. This platform will allow users to view and manage tradable credits within Oman, track decarbonization efforts across sectors and companies, and establish a transparent and efficient carbon market.
The proposed National Carbon Market will facilitate certification and trading mechanisms categorized by CO₂ reduction potential. Al Jabri explained that projects will be classified from A to D based on their impact, with Category A representing the highest impact and Category D the lowest. All project details—excluding the identities of project owners—will be made public to enhance transparency and build external trust.
Established in 2024, the Oman Net Zero Centre acts as the central coordinating entity, translating Oman’s net-zero ambitions into practical systems, regulations, and markets, with a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The establishment of a national framework for low-carbon certifications by the Oman Net Zero Centre (ONZC) presents significant opportunities for businesses in Oman to tap into the growing global demand for green products and services. By unlocking finance for emissions reductions and facilitating access to international markets, it creates a platform for innovation and investment, especially in the renewable energy sector. Smart investors should consider aligning their strategies with the ONZC’s goals, preparing for a potential surge in low-carbon exports, which will likely involve navigating evolving international standards and regulations.
