Muscat: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has announced Ministerial Decision No. (35/2024), which establishes the Oman Net Zero Centre.
This initiative is designed to bolster the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. It will focus on developing updated strategies, overseeing the execution of zero neutrality projects—including energy efficiency initiatives—and providing technical assistance to both governmental and private sectors.
In this regard, Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, remarked, "The establishment of the Oman Net Zero Centre is in line with the royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The Centre will be responsible for supervising and monitoring the plans and programs aimed at achieving zero neutrality, thereby significantly enhancing energy efficiency and aiding relevant entities in reaching carbon neutrality by 2025."
The Centre is set to play a vital role in accelerating the implementation of net-zero initiatives and supporting various sectors in meeting their goals as specified in the National Net-Zero Strategy.
This will be achieved through collaboration with both public and private organizations. Additionally, the Centre will act as a key instrument in realizing Oman’s vision for attaining net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Centre will also be instrumental in shaping and refining Oman’s net-zero strategy, working closely with relevant authorities to ensure alignment with national goals. It will oversee the monitoring and execution of net-zero projects, lead public awareness campaigns, and enhance national capabilities in this essential area. These initiatives will be crucial for fulfilling Oman’s net-zero ambitions and broader sustainability objectives.
The Centre will implement essential executive programs and strategies to meet objectives across multiple sectors. It will also monitor the execution of projects and initiatives that facilitate this transformation, tackle any challenges encountered, and provide regular progress reports.
Additionally, the Centre is tasked with formulating and revising the national plan aimed at improving energy consumption efficiency. It will oversee the plan's implementation across different sectors, assess energy usage in sanctioned projects, and recommend necessary enhancements in collaboration with relevant authorities.
In fulfilling its duties, the Centre will offer technical support and guidance to various organizations to help minimize carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.
The Centre will prioritize the adoption and transfer of cutting-edge international practices and technologies to the Sultanate of Oman, while also fostering scientific research, innovation, and the development of national expertise.
Moreover, the Centre will handle applications for certifications related to carbon, hydrogen, and low-carbon products. This process includes reviewing and auditing submissions, ultimately issuing certificates in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the Environment Authority.
The Centre will also manage the registration and approval of domestic carbon certificate trading requests, ensuring compliance with international carbon credit standards.
