The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released a report emphasizing the significance of industrial innovation for Oman and outlining opportunities for the country to boost its competitiveness in exports and reshape its economic framework. The report recommends that Oman capitalize on its strengths in energy and minerals to become a leader in industrial innovation, exploring opportunities in mining, technology manufacturing, and emerging sectors like hydrogen.
The suggested roadmap for industrial innovation includes integrating international best practices, adopting promising technologies, and aligning with Oman’s unique ambitions. Key focus areas encompass technological development in hydrocarbons, new energies, and hydrogen sectors. The report envisions Oman as the sixth-largest exporter of green hydrogen globally by 2030. The roadmap should also incorporate digitization of renewable energy systems, leveraging artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and machine learning.
Other aspects of the roadmap include sustainable value chains, infrastructure modernization, expansion, logistics improvement, and building capabilities for high-tech manufacturing. Establishing centers of excellence, research facilities, and information centers will contribute to disseminating expertise and sustaining exports.
Dr. Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al Abri, the international adviser and representative of Oman to the IEA, highlights the new economic horizons that Oman should prepare for, leveraging new energies and hydrogen to expand industrial and innovative prospects. The roadmap aims for sustainable industrial growth, sector integration, investments, global partnerships, and the creation of high-quality, competitive jobs. The overarching goal is to establish Oman as a global player in the evolving energy landscape.
