
Vale, OQAE join forces to power Oman operations with renewables
The partnership aims to integrate clean energy into Vale's industrial operations through collaboration on energy supply, land coordination, and long-term planning. The agreement is expected to drive the shift toward renewable energy while laying the foundation for sustainable industrial development in Oman.
'Achieving large-scale decarbonisation requires more than ambition — it demands strong partnerships and robust infrastructure,' said Saleh Al Muslahi, Chief Executive of Mega Hubs–Middle East and North Africa at Vale. 'Through this agreement with OQAE, we are aligning on key elements such as demand aggregation and long-term supply models to transition Sohar operations and unlock Duqm's green potential.'
Najla Zuhair al Jamali, CEO of OQ Alternative Energy, emphasized the broader significance of the collaboration. 'This partnership reflects OQAE's mission to support the industrial sector's shift to clean energy. Beyond reducing emissions at a single site, we are helping create a new blueprint for renewable-powered industrial development in Oman.'
Vale has committed to transitioning its Sohar pelletising plant to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. The company is also developing a major industrial complex in Duqm to produce high-quality agglomerated iron ore products that support low-carbon steelmaking for both domestic and international markets.
This partnership underscores Vale's global strategy to reduce its environmental impact and foster sustainable growth through cleaner technologies and operational efficiency.
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Observer
10 hours ago
- Observer
TES eyes electric natural gas production in OmanTES eyes electric natural gas production in Oman
MUSCAT: Global clean energy specialist Tree Energy Solutions (TES) is actively exploring investment opportunities in large-scale production of renewable natural gas — also known as electric natural gas (e-NG) — in Oman. The initiative aims to support the country's energy transition while also creating an export platform for carbon-neutral fuels targeting international markets. TES CEO and Co-founder Marco Alverà recently visited Oman for high-level discussions with senior executives from key energy stakeholders engaged in advancing the Sultanate of Oman's green hydrogen ambitions and broader decarbonisation strategies. The visit marks the latest in a series of engagements between TES and Omani entities, viewed as potential long-term partners in the company's efforts to expand its global footprint into the Middle East. Headquartered in the Netherlands, TES is a pioneer in the production of e-NG — a synthetic methane derived by combining green hydrogen with biogenic or recycled CO₂. This carbon-neutral gas can be transported using existing natural gas infrastructure from pipelines to LNG vessels, offering a scalable clean-energy alternative to fossil natural gas. 'We had productive discussions on how e-NG can support both Oman's domestic decarbonisation goals and its ambitions to export clean fuels—especially to Europe and Asia, where demand is growing', said Marco Alverà. 'Oman has a very ambitious green fuels strategy supported by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, OQ Group (eg OQAE, OQGN) and Energy Development Oman (EDO) through Hydrom. At TES, we view Oman as a uniquely positioned country to lead in the global green gas trade, thanks to its world-class solar and wind resources and robust gas infrastructure', he noted. In mid-2024, TES signed a Joint Study Agreement with OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) — the clean energy arm of OQ Group — to assess the feasibility of establishing an e-NG facility in Oman. 'This is a fundamental approach in the way we assess our global opportunities. It is a necessary step that could pave the way for TES to invest in green e-NG production in Oman', said Alverà. 'By adding CO₂ to green hydrogen, you get a green product — e-NG — that behaves just like fossil natural gas but with a fraction of the emissions. What's more, it can be distributed through the current infrastructure with little or no modification, making the energy transition more cost-effective', he said. 'Launching a few e-NG projects here would be like unlocking new gas reserves — millions of barrels of oil equivalent'. TES' modular e-NG production approach combines electrolysers, methanisers and balance-of-plant systems, enabling efficient, scalable green gas generation which is being implemented across the most promising e-NG locations. TES is further supporting this in Germany, where it is developing a giga-scale import terminal at the Wilhelmshaven Green Energy Hub that will serve Germany and Europe with e-NG produced worldwide. TES is a founding member of the e-NG Coalition, alongside TotalEnergies, Engie, Sempra Infrastructure, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas and Toho Gas which aims to accelerate global e-NG adoption. Oman stands out as a priority destination. 'Beyond its transparent regulatory framework and existing infrastructure, Oman enjoys strong geopolitical positioning and is a trusted partner—qualities that matter immensely to markets like Japan', said Alverà. CONRAD PRABHU MUSCAT, JULY 23 Global clean energy specialist Tree Energy Solutions (TES) is actively exploring investment opportunities in large-scale production of renewable natural gas — also known as electric natural gas (e-NG) — in Oman. The initiative aims to support the country's energy transition while also creating an export platform for carbon-neutral fuels targeting international markets. TES CEO and Co-founder Marco Alverà recently visited Oman for high-level discussions with senior executives from key energy stakeholders engaged in advancing the Sultanate of Oman's green hydrogen ambitions and broader decarbonisation strategies. The visit marks the latest in a series of engagements between TES and Omani entities, viewed as potential long-term partners in the company's efforts to expand its global footprint into the Middle East. Headquartered in the Netherlands, TES is a pioneer in the production of e-NG — a synthetic methane derived by combining green hydrogen with biogenic or recycled CO₂. This carbon-neutral gas can be transported using existing natural gas infrastructure from pipelines to LNG vessels, offering a scalable clean-energy alternative to fossil natural gas. 'We had productive discussions on how e-NG can support both Oman's domestic decarbonisation goals and its ambitions to export clean fuels—especially to Europe and Asia, where demand is growing', said Marco Alverà. 'Oman has a very ambitious green fuels strategy supported by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, OQ Group (eg OQAE, OQGN) and Energy Development Oman (EDO) through Hydrom. At TES, we view Oman as a uniquely positioned country to lead in the global green gas trade, thanks to its world-class solar and wind resources and robust gas infrastructure', he noted. In mid-2024, TES signed a Joint Study Agreement with OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) — the clean energy arm of OQ Group — to assess the feasibility of establishing an e-NG facility in Oman. 'This is a fundamental approach in the way we assess our global opportunities. It is a necessary step that could pave the way for TES to invest in green e-NG production in Oman', said Alverà. 'By adding CO₂ to green hydrogen, you get a green product — e-NG — that behaves just like fossil natural gas but with a fraction of the emissions. What's more, it can be distributed through the current infrastructure with little or no modification, making the energy transition more cost-effective', he said. 'Launching a few e-NG projects here would be like unlocking new gas reserves — millions of barrels of oil equivalent'. TES' modular e-NG production approach combines electrolysers, methanisers and balance-of-plant systems, enabling efficient, scalable green gas generation which is being implemented across the most promising e-NG locations. TES is further supporting this in Germany, where it is developing a giga-scale import terminal at the Wilhelmshaven Green Energy Hub that will serve Germany and Europe with e-NG produced worldwide. TES is a founding member of the e-NG Coalition, alongside TotalEnergies, Engie, Sempra Infrastructure, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas and Toho Gas which aims to accelerate global e-NG adoption. Oman stands out as a priority destination. 'Beyond its transparent regulatory framework and existing infrastructure, Oman enjoys strong geopolitical positioning and is a trusted partner—qualities that matter immensely to markets like Japan', said Alverà.


Muscat Daily
16-07-2025
- Muscat Daily
Pact to develop wind energy projects in Duqm, Mahout and Sadah
Muscat – OQ Alternative Energy has signed a joint development agreement with Naqaa Sustainable Energy Company to invest in wind energy projects in Duqm in Al Wusta and Mahout and Sadah in Dhofar. The projects are expected to generate up to 1,100 megawatt of electricity using wind turbines manufactured locally by Mawarid Turbine Company. The agreement is part of efforts by OQ Group to support the clean energy transition by developing an integrated value chain and encouraging the growth of national industries. It also aims to support emerging businesses involved in renewable energy, according to an OQ statement. The deal was signed by Said al Masoudi, Chairman of OQ Alternative Energy, and Mustafa bin Mohamed al Hinai, CEO of Naqaa Sustainable Energy Company. The signing took place in the presence of H E Salem bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. Masoudi said the agreement reflects the government's policy of promoting renewable energy and supporting sustainable development goals. He added that OQ plays a key role as a national investment arm in the energy transition, contributing to electricity grid stability and development of clean energy infrastructure. Hinai said the partnership aligns with national efforts to diversify energy sources and utilise Oman's natural wind resources. In April, OQ Group signed a memorandum of understanding with Mawarid Turbine to establish a manufacturing facility in Special Economic Zone at Duqm. The first phase of the factory will have production capacity of up to 1,000MW a year, with investment exceeding US$200mn. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in 2026. The plant is expected to be the first of its kind in the region and will support localisation of renewable energy technologies. It is projected to generate more than 1,000 jobs. Mawarid Turbine has partnered with Shanghai Electric Wind Power Group for technology licensing, research and development, and the technical design of manufacturing systems. The collaboration will also provide wind turbines for several pilot farms.


Times of Oman
16-07-2025
- Times of Oman
OQAE, Naqaa sign pact to develop 1,110MW wind power projects
Muscat: Demonstrating a firm commitment to Oman's clean energy transition and local value creation, OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) has signed an agreement with Naqaa Sustainable Energy LLC to jointly develop a series of wind power projects across the Wilayats of Duqm, Mahout, and Sadah, located in the Dhofar and Al Wusta governorates, with a capacity of 1,100 MW. The projects will utilise locally manufactured wind turbines from Mawarid Turbine, which is expected to be established in Duqm following a memorandum of cooperation previously signed between OQ and Mawarid Turbine. This partnership aligns with OQ Group's broader efforts to create a fully integrated renewable energy value chain, support local industries by localising know-how, and foster innovation by empowering Omani startups in the green energy space, while maximising in-country value. The signing ceremony took place under the patronage of Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. The agreement was signed by Eng. Said Mohammed Al Masoudi, Chairman of OQ Alternative Energy, and Mustafa Mohammed Al Hinai, CEO of Naqaa Sustainable Energy. On the occasion, Eng. Said Al Masoudi commented: 'This agreement is a tangible expression of the government's vision to expand renewable energy sources and drive sustainable development across Oman. It reinforces the vital role of OQ as a national investment platform for clean energy solutions, strengthening the electricity grid and addressing the needs of the future through its subsidiary OQ Alternative Energy.' 'We're excited about this partnership with OQAE to develop wind power projects, tapping into Oman's vast wind potential and advancing homegrown innovation. Together, we're advancing local innovation and helping the electricity sector respond more effectively to rising demand, building a resilient and sustainable energy future for generations to come, ' Mustafa Al Hinai, CEO of Naqaa Sustainable Energy added.