Spain and Oman strengthen their cooperation in clean energy transition and water resource management and protection

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, together with the Sultan of Oman, H.M. Haitham Bin Tariq Al-Busaid, during the signing of the international treaty and the Memoranda of Understanding (Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa)

Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed in Madrid on Wednesday to promote cooperation in the management, development and protection of water resources and to cooperate in the field of clean energy transition.

The MoU on water resources protection aims to strengthen technical and scientific collaboration between the two countries in key areas for water sustainability and climate change adaptation. Areas of cooperation include drought and flood management, water use efficiency, surface and groundwater management, water quality and quantity control, as well as the promotion of non-conventional sources such as reuse and desalination.

In addition, the agreement provides for the organisation of joint projects, technical and information exchanges, and the holding of seminars and high-level visits, in order to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience between institutions, research centres and companies in both countries.

Each party will designate a lead coordinator to ensure the monitoring of actions and the planning of joint activities, which will be reviewed periodically.

The MoU will be valid for an initial period of five years, automatically renewable for equal periods, and is part of Spain and Oman's commitment to strengthen their bilateral relations in the field of environmental sustainability and efficient water management.

Clean energy transition

With regard to the MoU related to cooperation in the field of clean energy transition, Spain and Oman will collaborate in areas such as ensuring the diversification of energy sources and securing supply at affordable prices.

The two countries will identify and develop projects in renewables, energy efficiency, renewable hydrogen, critical raw materials - including the development of industrial capabilities and the opening of markets - smart grids and storage.

A key part of this cooperation will be the transfer of knowledge that helps to materialise zero-emission projects, through training, capacity building and scientific research, always with due protection of intellectual property.

The MoU will be valid for five years and will be automatically extended for another five years, and both signatories will be able to extend its scope to other areas of clean energy transition through diplomatic channels.

Non official translation