Muscat – A new research evaluating energy consumption for liquefied renewable methane and green liquefied hydrogen production has recommended updating laws and regulations to encourage the use of renewable energy in Oman.

The study – titled Liquefied Hydrogen vs Liquefied Renewable Methane: Evaluating Energy Consumption and Infrastructure for Sustainable Fuels – by Mohammed Abdullah al Breiki, a PhD candidate at Hamad bin Khalifa University in Qatar, was feted in the Young Researcher’s category for energy and industry at the 10th National Research Award. The award highlighted significant advancements in sustainable energy research. The National Research Award is organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

Breiki’s research, focusing on green liquefied hydrogen and liquefied renewable methane, gives critical insights into energy consumption levels during production, infrastructure readiness and regulatory frameworks for these fuels. According to his findings, producing green liquefied hydrogen and liquefied renewable methane requires approximately 0.52 and 0.63kWh/MJ of fuel, respectively. The study underscores the existing infrastructure’s suitability for liquefied renewable methane, while noting the need for further development in green liquefied hydrogen infrastructure and related legal frameworks.

The study’s objective was to conduct a thorough analysis of clean fuels, particularly liquefied renewable methane and green liquefied hydrogen. It evaluated the energy consumed in production, storage and transportation, focusing on carbon capture and efficiency improvements.

“We aimed to compare clean fuels in terms of technology, infrastructure, scalability and regulations to identify the most effective and eco-friendly options,” Breiki elaborated.

Highlighting the study’s significance, Breiki emphasised its contribution to developing sustainable energy sources, reducing fossil fuel dependence, and enhancing clean energy utilisation.

The research, published in the peer-review journal Fuel, was a collaborative effort by Breiki and Dr Yusuf Bicer, an associate professor specialising in clean energy technologies at Hamad bin Khalifa University.