In addition to its education portfolio, the Florence School of Regulation at the Schuman Centre develops training courses tailored to the specific needs of institutions, companies, and public bodies worldwide. These training initiatives are not only a learning opportunity but also an eye-opener regarding energy system development plans in various countries.
The tailor-made course designed for the Oman Energy Association aimed to equip its staff with an in-depth understanding of the emerging hydrogen sector and its regulation, Carbon Capture and Utilisation/Storage (CCUS) technologies, and of the global pursuit of investment finance to foster a low-carbon economy. This underscores their pivotal role in the contemporary global energy paradigm.
The training focused on the EU experience and the rationale used in recent years when developing the rules that will apply to the emerging hydrogen market. Starting from the common understanding that hydrogen, as well as CCUS, are only two of the possible instruments helping to achieve the energy transition and meet climate objectives, the interactive training also provided an opportunity to make a reality check based on facts and data measuring the real impact that policies, regulations, and economics are having on their development.
The sessions took place in the capital, enabling the FSR team, led by Ilaria Conti, to discuss other countries’ scenarios and perspectives – beyond Oman and the EU. The effort was much appreciated because, as Ilaria remarked: “We should never forget that these are global challenges; therefore, only by discussing, overcoming prejudices, and working together can we hope to find real solutions to the challenges of decarbonisation and climate change."