Interview: Salim Al Hashmi
How would you describe the evolution of Oman’s energy storage infrastructure?
SALIM AL HASHMI: Historically, Oman’s energy storage segment was fragmented, with small, project-specific facilities scattered across different regions. Storage capacity was largely captive, serving local production needs without an integrated national strategy. Over time, there has been a shift towards developing centralised, strategic centres. One of the key developments has been the creation of major storage facilities along the coast, particularly around the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), designed to consolidate capacity and serve both domestic refining projects and international markets. Capacity expansions are significant, moving from small, isolated tanks to plans supporting tens or even hundreds of millions of barrels of storage. The strategy is to link storage with major shipping routes and build infrastructure supporting exports, blending and trading. These developments position Oman as a key player in the Indian Ocean’s energy logistics network, offering an alternative to traditional routes through geopolitically sensitive areas.
What strategic advantages does SEZAD offer in terms of its location, infrastructure and investment incentives for global energy companies?
AL HASHMI: SEZAD sits outside the congested and politically sensitive Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea corridors. It offers direct access to the Indian Ocean – a significant advantage for energy logistics and trade. Beyond location, SEZAD benefits from substantial land availability – over 70 km of waterfront – providing scalability that is difficult to find elsewhere. Infrastructure development has been prioritised, including the construction of deep-water ports and liquid jetties tailored to energy exports. The government offers a favourable framework for investment incentives: corporate income taxes, value-added tax and Customs duties are waived for qualifying investors. The regulatory environment is stable and Oman’s broader neutrality in regional politics gives additional confidence to foreign investors looking for reliable long-term projects.
To what extent are international partnerships shaping the development of the sultanate’s energy storage and logistics capabilities?
AL HASHMI: International partnerships are central to developing the energy storage and logistics segment. Global players bring operational expertise and access to established customer networks and markets. Working with internationally recognised companies accelerates the transfer of technical knowledge and best practices while strengthening credibility with major energy firms worldwide. These partnerships allow Oman to tap into global supply chains more effectively and attract a broader range of trading and investment activity. This collaborative model is essential to building storage and logistics capacity that meets international standards and supports long-term sector growth.
In what ways is energy transport infrastructure being made more sustainable and efficient?
AL HASHMI: Oman is advancing its energy transport systems through a wide range of initiatives focused on cleaner technologies and smarter logistics. One area of focus has been the emerging hydrogen sector, where infrastructure is being developed to handle different forms of hydrogen, including the conversion into ammonia, to facilitate safer and more cost-effective transport. This approach allows flexibility in responding to evolving market demands while positioning Oman to play a significant role in future low-carbon energy markets. Efforts are also being made to fully integrate hydrogen storage and transport capabilities within existing logistics frameworks, particularly at major centres such as SEZAD, where land availability and waterfront access provide opportunities for largescale, export-oriented infrastructure development.
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