New Omani–Dutch Renewable Energy Partnership: What It Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman
MUSCAT, SEPTEMBER 7 – Five Elements Environmental Services, a leading Oman-based consultancy specializing in environmental and sustainability solutions, has formed a strategic partnership with Pondera Consult of the Netherlands to support investors in renewable energy and green hydrogen projects within Oman.
This collaboration will provide comprehensive technical, engineering, environmental, social, and climate risk assessments. These critical services support developers through the pre- and post-bid phases as well as feasibility studies, ensuring projects align with Oman’s long-term clean energy goals and net-zero commitments.
The partnership was inspired by the landmark visit of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to the Netherlands in April 2025. It unites two firms recognized for their expertise in renewable energy advisory services in their respective regions.
Pondera Consult, part of the global engineering and project management group Haskoning, specializes in solutions for the energy transition worldwide. With strong capabilities in wind and solar energy and growing expertise in green hydrogen and battery storage, Pondera integrates engineering, design, and technology to foster sustainable innovation. Their core strengths include wind resource assessment, optimizing farm layouts, and addressing efficiency constraints caused by factors such as topography, wake effects, and grid connectivity.
Muscat-based Five Elements Environmental Services brings deep understanding of Oman’s environmental and social context. Their work addresses biodiversity sensitivity, traditional land use, and community engagement, aligned with international lender safeguards such as IFC Performance Standards PS1, PS5, and PS6.
This partnership comes as Oman accelerates its shift towards a low-carbon economy under Oman Vision 2040 and the Net-Zero 2050 objective. Opportunities for investment are expanding through initiatives like Hydrom’s third round of green hydrogen auctions and Nama PWP’s procurement of utility-scale solar and wind projects.
Kris Vallancey, Director of Five Elements, emphasized, “This collaboration combines comprehensive local knowledge with international technical expertise. As Oman advances its green hydrogen and renewable energy agenda, ensuring adherence to environmental and social safeguards is crucial for enhancing project bankability and long-term success in line with global standards.”
Eric Arends of Pondera added, “Our team looks forward to contributing technical insights to developers engaged with Oman’s renewable energy programs led by Hydrom, Nama PWP, OQAE, and others. Our experience with complex wind and solar projects worldwide will bring significant value to Oman’s renewable energy future.”
Together, the partners will assist developers in navigating critical issues such as risks of reduced energy yield from wind farm wake effects, cumulative impacts on sensitive social and ecological receptors, and creating site designs that meet regulatory compliance, financial viability, and long-term sustainability. They will also consider climate change and flood risks at project sites.
Both firms view this partnership as a symbol of the strengthening collaboration between Oman and the Netherlands in promoting clean energy innovation and responsible development. It follows several bilateral initiatives announced during His Majesty’s state visit aimed at enhancing cooperation in green hydrogen, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure sectors.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The strategic partnership between Five Elements Environmental Services and Pondera Consult signals a pivotal boost for Oman’s renewable energy sector, combining deep local environmental insight with global engineering prowess. For businesses and investors, this alliance enhances project bankability and risk mitigation, especially in green hydrogen and large-scale solar and wind projects, aligning tightly with Oman Vision 2040 and Net-Zero 2050 goals. Smart investors should now prioritize collaborations that integrate robust environmental and social governance frameworks to capitalize on emerging opportunities while ensuring sustainable, regulatory-compliant development.
