By: Solar Quarter

Major renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives are advancing across the Middle East and Europe, demonstrating a strengthened commitment to decarbonization and energy security.

In the Middle East, Oman is progressing with its 125-megawatt Dhofar II Wind Power Project. A consortium led by Sembcorp Utilities and OQ Alternative Energy has secured a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement for the project, which is scheduled to begin operations in 2027. The wind farm is projected to supply clean electricity to over 18,000 homes, reduce carbon emissions by 158,000 tonnes annually, and save 76 million cubic meters of natural gas each year. This project is a key component of Oman's national strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Simultaneously, in Europe, a strategic partnership between Masdar and OMV will establish a major green hydrogen plant in Austria. The joint venture will develop a 140-megawatt electrolyzer facility, slated to be one of the largest in Europe upon its completion in 2027. OMV will hold a majority stake, with Masdar owning 49%. The primary goal of the facility is to decarbonize OMV’s Schwechat refinery and promote the use of green hydrogen across the region, with potential for collaboration on sustainable aviation fuels.

These projects underscore the growing role of renewable power and green hydrogen as central pillars of sustainable economic development and international climate cooperation.