Oman plans to produce a million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Silvia Razgova / The National
Oman plans to produce a million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Silvia Razgova / The National
Oman plans to produce a million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Silvia Razgova / The National
Oman plans to produce a million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Silvia Razgova / The National

Jindal Shadeed to set up $3 billion plant in Oman to produce green steel


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Oman's Jindal Shadeed Group will invest more than $3 billion to set up a green steel plant in a special economic zone in the southern port city of Duqm.

The company has the necessary approvals to secure the land for a green hydrogen-ready steel project, which can process 5 million tonnes of steel a year, it said in a statement on Sunday.

The plant will supply steel products to companies in the automotive, wind energy and consumer durables sectors.

“There is a booming demand for green steel from ESG [environmental, social and governance] conscious customers around the world, especially in Europe and Asia, who have already committed significant reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030,” Harssha Shetty, chief executive of Jindal Shadeed Group, said.

Steel makers are investing in decarbonising their operations as more customers commit to net-zero goals.

Hydrogen is expected to account for 12 per cent of global energy use and 10 per cent of carbon emission reductions by 2050, driven by the urgency of climate change and countries’ net-zero commitments, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Hydrogen comes in various forms, including blue, green and grey hydrogen. Blue and grey are derived from natural gas while green is produced using renewable sources.

Oman plans to produce a million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 and has set up a state-owned company as part of its plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The Gulf country has earmarked two blocks in Duqm and another four blocks in Salalah to be tendered for the development of green hydrogen projects.

Emissions from steel must be reduced by 50 per cent by 2050 and then continue to fall, to meet the world’s climate goals, according to the International Energy Agency.

Coal currently meets about 75 per cent of the energy demand of the sector.

The agreement “reinstates Duqm’s position as a leading and attractive destination for large strategic projects that will benefit from renewable energy and green hydrogen”, said Ahmed Al Dheeb, deputy chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones.

“The availability of solar energy and wind resources throughout the year will encourage more investments in green industries and renewable energy projects in the Sultanate of Oman in general, and Duqm in particular,” he said.

Jindal Shadeed Group also signed an initial agreement with Saudi Arabia's utility provider Marafiq for water, seawater for cooling purposes, and other services.

Like other Gulf countries, Oman is benefiting from a surge in economic activity tied to higher oil prices. Brent, the benchmark for two thirds of the world’s oil, is currently trading at about $85 a barrel after falling to less than $30 in 2020.

Last month, the sultanate launched a three-year fiscal stability programme to add to the momentum of its economic recovery from the pandemic-driven slowdown and support the development of the country’s financial sector.

“This green steel project aligns very well with Port of Duqm’s vision to be a green port operating on sustainable and renewable energy sources, in line with the Oman vision 2040 to support economic diversification and reduce reliance on the oil and gas sector,” Reggy Vermeulen, chief executive of Port of Duqm, said.

“This huge project will not only attract foreign investment but also provide work opportunities for local talent.”

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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  • The 188g Smarties egg has 113g of sugar per egg and 22.8g in the tube of Smarties it contains
  • The Milky Bar white chocolate Egg Hunt Pack contains eight eggs at 7.7g of sugar per egg
  • The Cadbury Creme Egg contains 26g of sugar per 40g egg
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Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

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Updated: December 04, 2022, 4:51 PM`