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Observer
a day ago
- Business
- 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
06-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Key geotechnical work completed for Duqm green ammonia project
MUSCAT, MAY 6 In a key step toward advancing Oman's clean energy ambitions, the fieldwork phase of an offshore geotechnical investigation has been successfully completed for a major green ammonia plant in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD). Finalised in April 2025, the fieldwork included deep and shallow borehole drilling, Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), and detailed assessments of pipeline routes and marine anchoring points. These investigations provide the technical foundation for the design and construction of the green ammonia facility, a strategic project aligned with Oman Vision 2040's goals for economic diversification and renewable energy leadership. In a statement, Darkocean Geostar UAE, the company leading the survey efforts, said the work equips developers and regulators with the essential data needed to support safe and sustainable engineering decisions for the project. 'This marks a critical milestone in the development of the Duqm ammonia plant,' said Dr Surya Kumar Ippenta, PMP, Managing Director of Darkocean Geostar. 'Our work provides stakeholders with the data needed to advance Oman's sustainable industrial future.' Duqm is rapidly positioning itself as a key hub in Oman's green energy value chain, attracting global attention for its strategic port access, industrial infrastructure, and growing cluster of hydrogen and ammonia ventures. The upcoming ammonia plant is expected to utilise green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources, converting it into ammonia for export to global markets seeking low-carbon fuel alternatives. Alongside the geotechnical surveys, Darkocean Geostar is currently conducting oceanographic data collection at the project site. This next phase will provide crucial insights into marine currents, sediment movement, and environmental dynamics—information necessary for infrastructure planning and environmental compliance. Industry observers emphasise the importance of such data in de-risking major infrastructure investments and expediting regulatory approvals. The timely completion of field investigations strengthens confidence among investors and project stakeholders involved in Oman's clean energy sector. The Duqm SEZ, under the supervision of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), is a cornerstone of the Sultanate of Oman's strategy to become a regional leader in green fuels. With critical fieldwork now complete, the ammonia project is poised to advance into design, permitting, and construction, marking another step in Oman's transition toward a sustainable energy future.
