Energy giant BP and Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals signed a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) and a Renewables Data Collection Agreement on Monday. The agreements aim to support the development of multiple gigawatt renewable energy and green hydrogen development in Oman by 2030.
The agreement will see BP capture and evaluate solar and wind data from 8,000 square kilometres of land, which the Omani government will use to approve future developments of renewable energy hubs.
In a statement, BP said that these energy resources could also supply renewable power for the future development of green hydrogen for both domestic and export markets.
“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,” Dr Mohammed Al Rumhy, Minister of Energy & Minerals of Oman, said, according to the statement.
“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,” BP CEO Bernard Looney said.
“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,” he added.
As part of the SFA, BP and Oman will also work to find more areas of collaboration, such as renewables strategy, regulation, the establish of a renewable energy hub, and the reskilling of Oman’s local workforce.