Energy giant bp announced today a new partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in Oman to explore the development of a ‘world-class scale’ renewable energy and green hydrogen development in Oman by 2030.
The planned initiative will include the development of onshore wind, solar and green hydrogen production. bp will begin by capturing and evaluating solar and wind data from 8,000km2 of land. The evaluation of the data will support the Government of Oman in approving the future developments of renewable energy hubs within this area.
Bernard Looney, CEO bp, said:
“Today’s agreement represents what bp is able to offer as an integrated energy company. These projects will build on our gas business, and bring wind, solar and green hydrogen together in a distinctive and integrated way supporting Oman’s low carbon energy goals.
According to bp, the renewable energy resources could potentially supply renewable power for the development of green hydrogen for both domestic and global export markets.
Under the agreement, bp and Oman will also consider ways to partner in a range of areas, including a renewables strategy, regulation, the establishment of a renewable energy hub, and the development and reskilling of the local workforce.
Looney, added:
“And we’re not just investing in energy. We are investing in Oman to create and develop infrastructure, support local supply chains and cultivate the skills and talent needed to usher in this next generation of energy leaders. We look forward to working closely with the Omani government to take this forward.”
According to bp, the new partnership represents an evolution of the company’s business in Oman, and is aligned with its strategy to grow its developed renewable generating capacity and take early positions in hydrogen. Today’s announcement is also an important step towards Oman’s 2040 Vision, and an opportunity for the country to become a leading low-carbon energy hub.
In 2020, bp launched its Energy Transition Strategy, intended to transform bp from an oil company into an integrated energy company. In 2021, bp joined Oman’s national hydrogen alliance to promote the hydrogen industry in Oman, and established a net-zero taskforce to develop a roadmap for bp in the country.
Dr Mohammed Al Rumhy, Minister of Energy & Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman, said:
“This is a proud moment for Oman and a significant step towards delivering our 2040 Vision. In partnership with bp, we will progress the development of new, world-class solar and wind resources – generating renewable power for the grid and powering the manufacture of green hydrogen to supply domestic demand and to export to global customers. Over the past 50 years, we’ve advanced our hydrocarbon production. Today’s agreement signals the next step in our energy journey – unlocking the potential for Oman as a low-carbon energy hub.”
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