bP, Oman inks agreement for multi-GW renewables, green H2 developement
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals in Oman has announced that it has signed an agreement with British energy major bp to progress a prospective multiple gigawatt renewable energy and green hydrogen development by 2030.
The deal will see bp capture and assess solar and wind data from 8,000 km2 of land. The data will in turn support the Omani Government in supporting the future developments of renewable energy hubs at the most suitable sites.
The renewable energy resources within this area could also be harnessed for the development of green hydrogen projects, targeting both domestic and global export markets.
Mohammed Al Rumhy, Oman's minister of energy and minerals, stated the partnership is a significant step towards delivering the country's 2040 Vision, which includes an ambition to increase the penetration of renewables up to 39 percent, with an interim goal of 20 percent by 2030.
"Today's agreement signals the next step in our energy journey – unlocking the potential for Oman as a low-carbon energy hub," he said.
Under the new partnership, bp and Oman will also take into consideration ways to cooperate in areas such as a renewables strategy, regulation, the establishment of a renewable energy hub, and the development and reskilling of the local workforce.
"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," said bp CEO Bernard Looney.
The partnership signifies a significant evolution of bp's business in Oman, where it operates Block 61, which produces a third of the country's gas demand.
Last year, bp showed its willingness to take early positions in the Omani hydrogen sector, joining the country's national hydrogen alliance, Hy-Fly, and establishing a net-zero task force to help develop a "roadmap" for bp in Oman.
