German energy company Uniper has secured the rights to negotiate an exclusive green ammonia offtake agreement with Oman’s Hyport Duqm hydrogen project.

Uniper will also provide engineering services to the project under a cooperation deal signed with Hyport shareholders DEME Concessions and OQ Alternative Energy

Earlier this year, Uniper unveiled plans to develop a hydrogen hub at the northern German port of Wilhelmshaven which would include ammonia import and conversion facilities, with commissioning expected in the second half of the decade.

“The cooperation agreement with Uniper marks a major milestone in the development of the Hyport Duqm project” Huthaili, OQ Alternative Energy

“Engagements like this one in the Middle East offer Uniper the opportunity to enter into green hydrogen projects that can potentially take advantage of some of the world’s lowest LCOEs [levelised cost of energy], thereby delivering cost competitive hydrogen or its derivatives, such as green ammonia, to Germany and Europe,” says John Roper, Uniper CEO Middle East.

Hydrogen imports

Germany is projected to be a significant net importer of hydrogen by 2030, and it is forging ties with key supply regions including Australia as well as the Middle East.

Phase one of Hyport, which is expected to start up in 2026, will include 250-500MW of green hydrogen production capacity, coupled with the capacity to make green ammonia. Electrolysers at the project will be powered by up to 1.3GW of solar and wind.

The project will connect to the Port of Duqm’s new export terminal, storage infrastructure and liquid jetties.

“The cooperation agreement with Uniper marks a major milestone in the development of the Hyport Duqm project. This brings us a step closer to delivering a world-scale green hydrogen facility in the special economic zone at Duqm and showcases the true potential of Oman’s renewable capabilities as well as the critical role that the country can play as a net energy exporter,” says Salim al-Huthaili, CEO of OQ Alternative Energy.

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Author: Stuart Penson