Oman has launched its third auction round for green hydrogen projects in the Duqm area, advancing its strategy to become a global hub for the production and export of green hydrogen.

The auction, led by Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), invites qualified developers to propose projects within a land block of up to 300 square kilometers. Proposals must cover a minimum of 100 square kilometers, but bidders have the flexibility to determine their project layout within the allocated area. This approach allows for custom project configurations that align with developers’ strategies and market demands.

Hydrom has incorporated lessons from earlier auctions to improve bidder participation and enhance competitiveness. The process began with the release of a Request for Qualification (RFQ), with qualified bidders expected to submit proposals in early 2026. Award announcements will follow.

Participants will have nine months from the RFQ launch to prepare their bids, allowing sufficient time for project development and planning. Alongside producing green hydrogen and its derivatives, developers may also be allowed to sell surplus renewable electricity to the national grid, subject to regulatory approval.

Eng. Abdulaziz Said al Shidhani, managing director of Hydrom, said the new round reflects Oman’s shift from ambition to execution in its green hydrogen strategy.

“We are creating an investment-ready ecosystem that brings together land allocation, shared infrastructure, a clear regulatory framework, and export corridors,” he said. “This integrated approach enables scalable, bankable projects.”

Shidhani emphasized the strong market response to previous auctions, noting the growing global demand for credible and delivery-focused hydrogen solutions.

“With this third round, we aim to broaden access for serious developers while supporting international energy transition goals,” he added.

Developers will benefit from Oman’s strategic location near key markets in Europe and Asia, as well as from access to shared infrastructure and a stable regulatory environment. The country’s green hydrogen roadmap includes building a 2,000-kilometer dedicated hydrogen pipeline and establishing the world’s first liquid hydrogen export corridor, connecting Oman to the Netherlands and Germany.

Green hydrogen plays a central role in Oman’s efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The nation also aims to generate at least 30 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

To date, Oman has awarded eight large-scale hydrogen projects across Duqm and Dhofar through its first two auction rounds. These projects represent more than $49 billion in investment commitments and target a combined production capacity of over 1 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, powered by over 30 gigawatts of renewable energy.