OQGN Calls for Expressions of Interest: How the CO₂ Pipeline Network Could Transform Oman’s Energy Sector
MUSCAT: OQ Gas Networks (OQGN), a subsidiary of OQ Group, has issued an invitation for local companies to submit Expressions of Interest (EoIs) regarding their potential roles in establishing a national CO₂ pipeline network. This initiative is a cornerstone of Oman’s decarbonisation strategy.
In a recently released statement, OQGN emphasized that the EoIs will guide the design of CO₂ capture, transport, and storage infrastructure, tailored to meet actual industry needs. “Aligned with national and global decarbonisation goals, OQGN is committed to developing a CO₂ pipeline network in Oman that connects emission sources to storage sites, thereby significantly reducing the Sultanate’s CO₂ emissions,” the company stated.
This call for EoIs follows a CO₂ transportation strategy study completed in 2024, as OQGN advances to the next phase, focused on understanding the needs of potential users for the future network.
Interested companies are encouraged to fill out a non-binding information form, which will collect fundamental organizational details such as name, location, contact information, as well as their decarbonisation targets. The form also seeks to gather information on planned CO₂ capture, usage, or storage (CCUS), the potential need for pipeline infrastructure, and the approximate amounts of CO₂ that could be transported.
OQGN characterized this initiative as strategically important, presenting a vital opportunity for industry stakeholders to contribute to the infrastructure that will support their future decarbonisation endeavors. The initiative aligns with national sustainability objectives and has received endorsement from the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and the Oman Net Zero Centre (ONZC).
As Oman’s designated National CO₂ Transporter, OQGN is set to own, operate, and maintain all CO₂ pipelines across the country. Consequently, CCUS project developers who have government backing will need to collaborate with OQGN to ensure compatibility with the national CO₂ transport infrastructure.
Following a thorough market forecast assessment conducted last year, OQGN has proposed the establishment of three distinct CCUS ecosystems in Oman: Northern, Central, and Southern, each tailored to specific regional emissions profiles and infrastructure requirements.
The Northern CCUS Ecosystem will focus on the decarbonisation of the Suhar Industrial Area, which is Oman’s largest emissions hub, alongside nearby locations such as Ibri. This system will entail securing reliable CO₂ sources and transporting captured emissions via an estimated 300-kilometre pipeline to appropriate sites for long-term geological storage or utilization.
The Central CCUS Ecosystem will serve existing and future users in Al Duqm, with potential CO₂ storage sites in Block 6, Oman’s largest oil concession area, connected by about 200 kilometres of pipeline. The Southern CCUS Ecosystem will target the Salalah Industrial Area, utilizing storage locations in southern Block 6 and requiring approximately 300 kilometres of pipeline.
An evaluation of integrating Sur into either the Northern or Central ecosystems determined that this approach would be less cost-effective. Therefore, OQGN is collaborating with emitters in Sur to explore alternative CO₂ storage solutions closer to emission sources.
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Oman’s push towards a national CO₂ pipeline network, led by OQ Gas Networks, signals a transformative opportunity for local businesses to engage in decarbonisation initiatives that support sustainability goals. Investors and entrepreneurs should consider the potential for collaboration in CCUS projects, as aligning with government-backed efforts can position them favorably in a rapidly evolving market. However, the success of these ventures will depend on robust infrastructure planning and effective integration with regional emission profiles.
