Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has intensified its efforts to diminish carbon emissions, aiming to achieve net-zero status by 2050. This ambitious goal is being pursued through initiatives across various sectors, including land, sea, and air transport, as well as the communications and information technology sector.
Director General of Oman Logistics Centre at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Ali Al Busaidi, an expert member of the Zero Neutrality Team, elucidated the comprehensive strategy for land transport projects. This strategy involves collaboration with both public and private sectors to transition from conventional light vehicles to eco-friendly alternatives.
Al Busaidi highlighted the significant progress in the adoption of electric vehicles, with the latest figures indicating a rise to 1,500 vehicles, accompanied by the establishment of 120 charging stations across different governorates. He also emphasized the potential of hydrogen energy as an effective solution to reduce emissions from heavy vehicles, acknowledging the challenges in infrastructure development but expressing the Sultanate's commitment to green lanes for trucks.
Regarding emissions from the land transport sector, Al Busaidi noted that they account for 20 percent of the total emissions across all sectors. When considering air and sea transport sectors, this figure could increase to 28 percent, as calculated by port operators and local airlines.
He outlined the targets for emission reduction in Oman, which are segmented into three stages. The transportation sector is set to achieve a 3 percent reduction in emissions by 2030, with an additional 34 percent reduction by 2040, culminating in a complete elimination of emissions by 2050.
Al Busaidi highlighted the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology's efforts in the heavy transport sector, focusing on the gradual transition to hydrogen-powered trucks. This technology, developed locally by the private sector, has demonstrated a 52 percent reduction in emissions.
In the communications and information technology sector, Al Busaidi pointed out that emissions are primarily generated by information centers and communication towers, reflecting the country's expansion into the digital economy and information technology infrastructure. Efforts are underway to conduct an emissions inventory and implement measures to reduce emissions, aligning with global strategies in this area.
He concluded by mentioning initiatives in the maritime transport sector, including the conversion of facilities to environmentally friendly standards and the shift to electric equipment, in line with Oman's ambition to become a regional hub for supplying ships with clean energy.
The Civil Aviation Authority is also spearheading efforts in the air transport sector, focusing on sustainable fuel projects for aircraft.
In summary, Oman is demonstrating a proactive approach towards reducing emissions across various sectors, aiming to achieve net-zero status by 2050.
