Muscat – Ministry of Energy and Minerals  (MEM) has announced establishment of Oman Net Zero Centre, a key step towards achieving the country’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The decision, issued by Salim Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, follows Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The centre will oversee Oman’s net-zero strategy, monitor implementation of related projects, and support government and private sector entities in achieving their sustainability goals.

“The decision to establish Oman Net Zero Centre is part of efforts to implement His Majesty’s directives to supervise and follow up on net-zero plans and programmes,” Aufi said. “It will contribute to improving energy efficiency and supporting entities working towards zero neutrality by 2050.”

The centre’s role will be central to implementation of Oman’s National Net Zero Strategy. It will oversee execution of projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions, boosting energy efficiency and promoting sustainable development. The centre will also provide technical support and guidance to both public and private sector stakeholders, ensuring alignment with national sustainability goals.

To ensure comprehensive oversight, a steering committee – chaired by the Minister of Energy and Minerals – has been established. It includes senior officials from the foreign, finance, and economy ministries, as well as representatives of Environment Authority and Oman Investment Authority. The committee will be responsible for approving strategic plans, endorsing net-zero projects and monitoring the centre’s activities.

As part of its mandate, Oman Net Zero Centre will develop and update the national plan for improving energy consumption efficiency. It will track energy use in various sectors and suggest necessary adjustments in coordination with relevant authorities. The centre will also facilitate adoption of international best practices and support innovation and research to build local expertise.

In addition to its supervisory role, the centre will oversee certification of carbon, hydrogen and low-carbon products. It will review and audit applications for certification and manage requests for carbon certificate trading within Oman, ensuring compliance with international carbon credit frameworks.

The centre will also maintain a comprehensive database of carbon emissions from different sectors, making this information accessible to relevant authorities. It will spearhead public awareness campaigns to encourage community participation in achieving the country’s net-zero goals.