Oman launches tender for 800-1,000 MW green hydrogen power plant

Key facts

• Nama Power and Water Procurement Company issued tender OPWP/2026/011 for a techno-economic consultant.
• Proposed plant capacity: 800–1,000 MW, capable of running on up to 100% hydrogen.
• Tender document purchase: 4–31 May 2026; fee 105 OMR, free for SMEs with Riyada card.
• Proposal deadline: 21 June 2026 at 12:00 Oman time; bid bond 1% of total value, valid 120 days.
• Oman targets 1 million tonnes/year renewable hydrogen by 2030, 3.75 million by 2040, 8.5 million by 2050.
• IEA projects Oman as sixth-largest hydrogen exporter globally, largest in Middle East by 2030.
• Hydrom, under Energy Development Oman, investing $20 billion in green hydrogen, aiming for 1.4 million tonnes/year by 2030.
• OQ Gas Networks plans $1 billion dedicated hydrogen network, announced January 2026.

Oman seeks consultant for world-scale hydrogen power plant

Oman is taking a concrete step toward integrating green hydrogen into its national grid. Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) has issued a tender for a techno-economic consultant to study the feasibility of an independent power project (IPP) that could run entirely on hydrogen. The proposed plant would have a capacity between 800 and 1,000 megawatts, making it one of the largest hydrogen-fired power stations in the region. The study will assess technical feasibility, cost structures, and deployment pathways for hydrogen-based generation. The tender, reference OPWP/2026/011, is open for document purchase from 4 May to 31 May 2026. The standard fee is 105 Omani Rial, but small and medium enterprises with a valid Riyada card can access the documents free of charge.

Bidding rules and timeline

Proposals must be submitted by 21 June 2026 at 12:00 Oman time. Each bid must include a tender bond or certified bank cheque worth at least 1 percent of the total bid value, valid for 120 days from the submission deadline. Nama PWP, which operates under Royal Decree 78/2004, is responsible for procuring new capacity in Oman's electricity and water sector. The tender signals the company's commitment to adopting advanced, clean technologies. Interested parties can obtain documents online through the official procurement website. The process is designed to encourage participation from both international firms and local businesses.

Oman's ambitious hydrogen targets

The sultanate aims to produce at least 1 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year by 2030, scaling up to 3.75 million tonnes by 2040 and 8.5 million tonnes by 2050. According to the International Energy Agency, Oman is on track to become the sixth-largest hydrogen exporter globally by 2030, and the largest in the Middle East. State-owned Energy Development Oman owns Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), which is investing $20 billion in green hydrogen projects. Hydrom plans to increase production by 20 percent to 1.4 million tonnes per year by 2030. In January 2026, state-controlled OQ Gas Networks announced plans to spend nearly $1 billion to build a dedicated hydrogen network, rather than repurposing existing infrastructure. This network would transport hydrogen from production sites to demand centers.

Green hydrogen and the path to low-carbon power

Green hydrogen is produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy, making it carbon-neutral. The proposed IPP would be a significant step toward using hydrogen as a reliable fuel for electricity generation. Oman's push aligns with its long-term energy transition goals and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The project could open new opportunities for innovation, investment, and sustainable development in the power sector. The consultancy will evaluate the technical and economic viability of integrating hydrogen into the national grid, addressing challenges such as storage, transportation, and combustion efficiency.

Global context and strategic importance

Oman's hydrogen ambitions come as countries worldwide seek clean energy alternatives. The sultanate's strategic location, abundant solar and wind resources, and existing gas infrastructure give it a competitive advantage. By targeting 1 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen by 2030, Oman positions itself as a key player in the emerging global hydrogen market. The IPP tender is a practical demonstration of that ambition. If successful, the plant could serve as a model for other nations in the region and beyond, proving that hydrogen can be a viable large-scale power source.

Next steps and open questions

The consultant selected through this tender will produce a feasibility study that will inform the final investment decision. The study is expected to cover technology options, cost estimates, and grid integration plans. Key questions remain: Will the plant use exclusively green hydrogen, or could it blend with other forms? How will the hydrogen be sourced and stored? What will be the levelized cost of electricity? The answers will shape not only Oman's energy future but also the global understanding of hydrogen's role in power generation.

The bottom line

• Oman's Nama PWP has launched a tender for a consultant to study an 800-1,000 MW hydrogen IPP, with proposals due 21 June 2026.
• The sultanate targets 1 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen per year by 2030, backed by $20 billion in investments via Hydrom.
• The IEA projects Oman as the sixth-largest hydrogen exporter globally by 2030, and the largest in the Middle East.
• OQ Gas Networks plans a $1 billion dedicated hydrogen network, announced in January 2026.
• The feasibility study will assess technical, economic, and grid integration aspects of hydrogen power generation.
• This project is a critical step in Oman's energy transition and could set a precedent for large-scale hydrogen use in power.