Oman LNG, GUtech, and EJAAD explore retrofitting natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport to support Oman’s green hydrogen goals, enabling domestic decarbonisation and export targets for 2050 Net Zero ambitions.
June 26, 2025. By EI News Network
Oman is exploring the feasibility of repurposing its natural gas pipeline network to transport hydrogen, a key step toward building a robust green hydrogen economy.
The research initiative was jointly led by the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) and Oman LNG, in collaboration with EJAAD, the research arm of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI).
The study highlights that pipeline-based transport will be critical to Oman’s green hydrogen ambitions, with plans to produce up to 8.5 million tonnes annually by 2050. While a major portion is aimed at exports, a substantial share will support domestic decarbonization and clean energy targets. Hydrogen production hubs are planned for Duqm and Dhofar, underscoring the need for cost-effective pipeline infrastructure, either through new construction or by retrofitting existing gas networks.
“Oman’s existing gas pipeline network presents a major strategic advantage,” said Mohammed Al Mukhaini, General Manager ICV at Oman LNG. “It’s already established, socially accepted, and far more cost-effective than building a brand-new hydrogen network. Our partnership with GUtech enables us to explore technically sound solutions to advance Oman’s Net Zero 2050 goals,” he added.
Lead researcher Prof. Najah Al Mhanna from GUtech said the study assessed the operational, technical, and economic feasibility of transporting various natural gas-hydrogen blends, ranging from zero to 100 percent hydrogen, through existing pipelines. “Retrofitting can be phased based on supply and demand growth. It’s a technically complex process requiring detailed analysis of gas properties and operating conditions,” he noted.
EJAAD played a key role in enabling the research collaboration, acting as a bridge between academia and industry. The project demonstrates how public-private partnerships are vital in accelerating Oman’s energy transition and economic diversification.
