Oman launches Net Zero 3 initiative in drive for carbon neutrality
The National Net Zero Programme has launched the Net Zero 3 initiative as part of the Sultanate’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The event was held under the patronage of Dr Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, Head of the Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit.
Net Zero 3 is a package of projects and initiatives to expand efforts toward achieving the 2030 targets outlined in the National Strategy for an Organised Transition to Net Zero.
The Net Zero 3 package aims to engage new sectors and fields onto the pathway to net zero.
In the industrial sector, 16 projects have been introduced to improve energy efficiency and promote electric vehicles, with eight additional projects planned to expand into biofuel and afforestation.
In the oil and gas sector, three new projects have been added. These focus on carbon capture, electrification of operations and gas recycling.
The electricity sector now includes 28 projects, while the transport sector has reached 36 projects.
In urban development, 26 projects focus on sustainable green cities, with an emphasis on infrastructure, urban planning, and renewable energy studies to transform cities into resource friendly spaces.
The environment and economy sector includes 15 projects, the military and security sector has 21 projects and the education sector has 14 projects.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chair of the Environment Authority, said that Oman is among the countries that have shown significant commitment to environmental and climate issues.
He noted that climate change has become a concrete reality with various environmental, social, and economic impacts.
He added that Oman with its “Nationally Determined Contributions is at the forefront of nations contributing to the global effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions worldwide.
Dr Al Amri explained that Oman has developed a national strategy for net zero, setting an ambitious target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through four key sectors.
He said that Oman’s 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution aims to reduce emissions by 21% from the baseline of 2020, conditional upon direct contributions from existing net zero initiatives or specific projects in sectors like energy and industry.
He pointed out that this approach has now become part of the broader culture, closely tied to strategic planning and operations across various institutions.
He further indicated that the new set of projects and initiatives now being launched covers multiple sectors targeted for carbon emission reductions, including energy, industry, transport and buildings.
These initiatives are categorised into enabling, moderate reduction and high-reduction projects, which collectively contribute to achieving net zero targets for both near and long-term goals by 2050.
Dr Maryam bint Mohammed Al Busaidi, Head of the National Net Zero Programme, presented a visual overview of the Programme's stages, developments, and achievements across major sectors, highlighting the opportunities available and how to make these a reality.
She also spoke about the adoption of the National Strategy for an Organised Transition to Net Zero under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Dr Al Busaidi explained that the Net Zero 3 package of projects and initiatives launched today was developed with various major sectors and military and security agencies. She noted that the total number of projects now stands at 212 covering multiple sectors, including transport, gas, industry, urban development, education, and agriculture, as well as local government and military and security sectors.