A high-profile business delegation from Oman, led by Salim Al Aufi, the Energy Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, and Maitha Al Mahrouqi, Ambassador of Oman to Germany, visited Leipzig to explore collaboration opportunities with German companies in the hydrogen sector. The delegation, after meeting with Leipzig’s Lord Mayor Burkhard Jung, proceeded to the headquarters of VNG AG in Leipzig.
Discussions centered on hydrogen and its potential for decarbonizing industries, as well as the conditions for expanding the hydrogen market in Germany and Europe. The delegation engaged with VNG’s CEO Ulf Heitmüller, focusing on VNG’s transition to green gases like hydrogen and biogas, along with specific hydrogen projects within the VNG Group. Topics included hydrogen requirements in Central Germany, prospects for Oman to export green hydrogen, and technical aspects like underground storage in salt caverns.
In attendance was Saxony’s Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, emphasizing the importance of greater cooperation between Oman and companies from Central Germany.
Ulf Heitmüller highlighted the significance of international collaboration in transitioning to green gases, noting Oman’s potential contribution to Germany’s hydrogen needs through imports.
Minister Salim Al Aufi emphasized Oman’s commitment to becoming a leader in low-carbon and green energy production, highlighting the nation’s resources, infrastructure, and geographical advantage.
Following their visit to Leipzig, the delegation toured the Bad Lauchstädt Energy Park in Saxony-Anhalt, where they witnessed progress in constructing a flagship green hydrogen project. This project, supported by a consortium of companies including VNG AG, aims to model the entire green hydrogen value chain on an industrial scale, from production to transportation, storage, and usage. Notably, the project includes repurposing a natural gas pipeline for hydrogen transportation and securing Germany’s first green hydrogen supply contract.
The visit underscores the growing interest and potential for collaboration between Oman and Germany in advancing green hydrogen technologies and contributing to the global energy transition.
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