Oman's first green ammonia project begins receiving key cargo
MUSCAT, JUNE 27
Project cargo has begun arriving at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) for Oman's first green hydrogen and ammonia venture — a landmark initiative set to kickstart the Sultanate of Oman's gigawatt-scale green energy industry.
Green Hydrogen and Chemicals Company SAOC (GHC), a wholly owned subsidiary of India-based renewable energy developer ACME Group, is developing the green ammonia plant with an initial capacity of 100,000 tonnes per annum (tpa). The project, estimated at around $750 million, is designed for phased expansion to 1.1 million tpa.
Last week, Khimji Ramdas Shipping announced the successful discharge and inland delivery of the first major consignment of project cargo from the Port of Duqm to the plant site. The shipment comprised 14 packages of oversized equipment, including a single unit weighing 120 metric tonnes.
This shipment marks the first in a series of heavy cargo deliveries expected at Port of Duqm in the run-up to the plant's scheduled commissioning in Q1 2027. Forthcoming consignments will include solar PV modules, trackers and electrolysers — key components already under contract as part of the project's broader supply chain.
Earlier this month, GameChange Solar, a global leader in solar tracking systems, announced a deal to supply its Genius Tracker technology for a 450 MWp solar installation that will generate renewable electricity for the project. The 1P single-row tracker system is engineered to withstand high winds and extreme weather conditions, making it suitable for Al Duqm's coastal environment.
Leading Chinese manufacturer Sungrow Hydrogen revealed it had been contracted to supply multiple sets of 1000 Nm³/h alkaline electrolysis systems, along with flexible green hydrogen production solutions. Deliveries are expected to be completed by end-2025.
Fellow Chinese company Shuangliang Hydrogen has also secured a contract to supply hydrogen production equipment for the same project, with delivery similarly due by year-end.
In parallel, UAE-based DarkOcen Geostar recently completed the fieldwork phase of an offshore geotechnical investigation at SEZAD. The campaign included borehole drilling, Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) and evaluations of pipeline corridors and marine anchor points to support the development of future marine infrastructure for the ammonia plant.
The Duqm green ammonia project is one of nine large-scale green hydrogen initiatives planned for development across Oman's Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates over the next decade. These projects collectively represent investments exceeding $40 billion.
The timely delivery and execution of the Duqm plant is seen as pivotal to unlocking Oman's broader hydrogen strategy. As part of a long-term offtake agreement signed last year, Norwegian fertiliser giant Yara will lift the full annual output from the first phase — 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia — reinforcing the project's strong commercial foundation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
7 hours ago
- Observer
Oman's first green ammonia project begins receiving key cargo
MUSCAT, JUNE 27 Project cargo has begun arriving at the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) for Oman's first green hydrogen and ammonia venture — a landmark initiative set to kickstart the Sultanate of Oman's gigawatt-scale green energy industry. Green Hydrogen and Chemicals Company SAOC (GHC), a wholly owned subsidiary of India-based renewable energy developer ACME Group, is developing the green ammonia plant with an initial capacity of 100,000 tonnes per annum (tpa). The project, estimated at around $750 million, is designed for phased expansion to 1.1 million tpa. Last week, Khimji Ramdas Shipping announced the successful discharge and inland delivery of the first major consignment of project cargo from the Port of Duqm to the plant site. The shipment comprised 14 packages of oversized equipment, including a single unit weighing 120 metric tonnes. This shipment marks the first in a series of heavy cargo deliveries expected at Port of Duqm in the run-up to the plant's scheduled commissioning in Q1 2027. Forthcoming consignments will include solar PV modules, trackers and electrolysers — key components already under contract as part of the project's broader supply chain. Earlier this month, GameChange Solar, a global leader in solar tracking systems, announced a deal to supply its Genius Tracker technology for a 450 MWp solar installation that will generate renewable electricity for the project. The 1P single-row tracker system is engineered to withstand high winds and extreme weather conditions, making it suitable for Al Duqm's coastal environment. Leading Chinese manufacturer Sungrow Hydrogen revealed it had been contracted to supply multiple sets of 1000 Nm³/h alkaline electrolysis systems, along with flexible green hydrogen production solutions. Deliveries are expected to be completed by end-2025. Fellow Chinese company Shuangliang Hydrogen has also secured a contract to supply hydrogen production equipment for the same project, with delivery similarly due by year-end. In parallel, UAE-based DarkOcen Geostar recently completed the fieldwork phase of an offshore geotechnical investigation at SEZAD. The campaign included borehole drilling, Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) and evaluations of pipeline corridors and marine anchor points to support the development of future marine infrastructure for the ammonia plant. The Duqm green ammonia project is one of nine large-scale green hydrogen initiatives planned for development across Oman's Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates over the next decade. These projects collectively represent investments exceeding $40 billion. The timely delivery and execution of the Duqm plant is seen as pivotal to unlocking Oman's broader hydrogen strategy. As part of a long-term offtake agreement signed last year, Norwegian fertiliser giant Yara will lift the full annual output from the first phase — 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia — reinforcing the project's strong commercial foundation.
Observer
7 hours ago
- Observer
China, US ease trade restrictions after deal
China and the United States have agreed to ease some trade restrictions, according to statements from both sides. China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Friday that it will review and approve applications for the export of 'controlled goods' that comply with regulations, while the US would lift a series of 'restrictive measures' against China. US President Donald Trump previously mentioned a signed agreement with China but left many questions unanswered. "We just signed with China yesterday," the Republican said at an event at the White House while talking about making deals with other countries. Trump also suggested that there could 'maybe' be a 'very big' deal with India. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later confirmed in an interview with financial news agency Bloomberg that the deal with China had been signed. He said China would supply rare earths, while the US will end its countermeasures. Since Trump launched a trade war with Beijing in February, the world's two largest economies have been locked in a tit-for-tat tariff fight that has unnerved global markets. In April, Trump increased tariffs on goods from China to as much as 145 per cent. In response, Beijing imposed counter-tariffs of 125 per cent and introduced export controls on industrially important rare earths and magnets made from them, on which China holds a near-monopoly. At the height of the tariff dispute in May, high-level delegations from both sides agreed in Geneva to significantly reduce tariffs for 90 days while continuing negotiations. It remains unclear, however, what will happen after the August deadline. The US has since imposed further restrictions on the export of important technology, such as software for computer chips and aviation components, for which China still relies on foreign manufacturers. Another meeting between the two sides, in London in early June, focused on the trade restrictions. US representatives eventually agreed with their Chinese counterparts on a reduction, although for a long time no details emerged. Observers interpreted the outcome as a return to the state of play after the Geneva meeting. Both countries' presidents were expected to approve the decisions following the London talks. Beijing's export restrictions on rare earths has put significant pressure on industries outside of China. The measures affected all countries, not just the US. In Germany's important automotive and mechanical engineering sectors, companies are concerned about the supply of important metals used in sensors or electric motors. China justified the controls by stating that the raw materials can have both civilian and military uses. Companies said it was taking along time for China's Ministry of Commerce to process applications, without certainty of approval. Concerns have grown about potential production halts. The Ministry of Commerce in Beijing has repeatedly said it has approved applications for companies in the EU and intends to speed up the process. — dpa
Observer
7 hours ago
- Observer
DeepSeek faces ban from Apple, Google app stores in Germany
FRANKFURT: Germany's data protection commissioner has asked Apple and Google to remove Chinese AI startup DeepSeek from their app stores in the country due to concerns about data protection, following a similar crackdown elsewhere. Commissioner Meike Kamp said in a statement on Friday that she had made the request because DeepSeek illegally transfers users' personal data to China. The two US tech giants must now review the request promptly and decide whether to block the app in Germany, she added, though her office has not set a precise timeframe. DeepSeek did not respond to a request for comment. Apple and Google were not immediately available for comment. According to its own privacy policy, DeepSeek stores numerous pieces of personal data, such as requests to its AI programme or uploaded files, on computers in China. "DeepSeek has not been able to provide my agency with convincing evidence that German users' data is protected in China to a level equivalent to that in the European Union," Kamp said. "Chinese authorities have far-reaching access rights to personal data within the sphere of influence of Chinese companies," she added. The commissioner said she took the decision after asking DeepSeek in May to meet the requirements for non-EU data transfers or else voluntarily withdraw its app. DeepSeek did not comply with this request, she added. DeepSeek shook the technology world in January with claims that it had developed an AI model to rival those from US firms such as ChatGPT creator OpenAI at much lower cost. However, it has come under scrutiny in the United States and Europe for its data security policies. Italy blocked it from app stores there earlier this year, citing a lack of information on its use of personal data, while the Netherlands has banned it on government devices. Belgium has recommended government officials not to use DeepSeek. "Further analyses are underway to evaluate the approach to be followed," a government spokesperson said. In Spain, the consumer rights group OCU asked the government's data protection agency in February to investigate threats likely posed by DeepSeek, though no ban has come into force. US lawmakers plan to introduce a bill that would ban US executive agencies from using any AI models developed in China. Reuters exclusively reported this week that DeepSeek is aiding China's military and intelligence operations. — Reuters
