An agreement reached between the government of Oman and bp is expected to help amplify the deployment of renewable energy and green hydrogen in the Middle Eastern country.
The Renewables Data Collection Agreement signed through the Oman Ministry of Energy and Minerals will see bp collecting data regarding the operation of wind and solar energy projects across 8,000km2 of land in Oman, an area five times larger than the size of Greater London.
The data will be used to evaluate the potential of developing new renewable energy projects in the area, a move that will help Oman to achieve its goal of deploying gigawatt capacity of clean resources by 2030 to decarbonise its economy and energy supply.
bp and Oman will also collaborate on renewables strategy development and implementation, regulation, the establishment of a renewable energy hub, and the development and reskilling of the local workforce.
The collaboration between bp and Oman is also expected to increase local production of green hydrogen to meet domestic demand and for exports. The wind and solar projects expected to be developed as a result of the partnership will be used to power green hydrogen production, according to a statement.
bp says it will leverage the collaboration to expand its footprint within the renewable energy business and Oman’s energy landscape. Today bp produces a third of Oman’s gas energy demand. In 2021, bp joined the Oman Hydrogen Alliance to help promote the country’s net-zero transition whilst setting a foundation for future growth within the country.
With Oman’s economy heavily reliant on oil and gas, expanding renewables capacity will help the country to diversify its energy supply.
bp chief executive Bernard Looney 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.
“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.”
Mohammed Al Rumhy, Minister of Energy & Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman, added that the agreement will help his country to move closer to goals set under the country’s 2040 Vision, which includes ensuring environmental sustainability and economic growth through clean energy capacity deployment.
Rumhy added: “In partnership with bp, we will progress the development of new, world-class solar and wind resources. Over the past 50 years, we’ve advanced our hydrocarbon production. This agreement signals the next step in our energy journey – unlocking the potential for Oman as a low-carbon energy hub.“
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