Oman and China: cheaper electrolysers, concentrated supply

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik began a two-day state visit to China. The Oman Observer, reposted by Klaus Steven, reads the trip through hydrogen: it cites Chinese incentives of up to 8 billion yuan for five city clusters and sees room for Chinese investment in low-emission steel and chemicals in Oman. At publication, no hydrogen agreement from the visit had been confirmed.

According to Argus Media, summarising the IEA Global Hydrogen Review 2026 on 19/06/2026, China holds 60% of global electrolyser manufacturing capacity, and Chinese systems installed in China cost USD 500 to 1,100 per kW in 2025, against USD 1,900 to 2,500 per kW for those made elsewhere.

For Oman, this may lower project capex. The trade-off is concentration: with one country dominating supply, delivery times, warranties and technical service rest with few suppliers.

As the paper notes China may need to import less hydrogen, the gain is more likely in industries that use it in Oman. Cheaper equipment helps. A concentrated supplier calls for a tight contract.