BP, Oman to develop GW hydrogen capacity
The agreement will unlock the potential for Oman as a low-carbon energy hub.
BP and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in Oman today (17th January) signed a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) and a Renewables Data Collection Agreement for developing multiple gigawatt hydrogen development capacity in Oman by 2030.
BP will capture and evaluate solar and wind data from 8,000 km2 of land. The evaluation will then support the Government of Oman in approving the future developments of renewable energy hubs at suitable locations within this area to take advantage of these resources. The renewable energy resources could also supply renewable power to develop green hydrogen, targeting both domestic and global export markets.
This partnership represents a significant evolution of BP’s business in Oman and is aligned with BP’s strategy, which includes rapidly growing our developed renewable generating capacity and taking early positions in hydrogen.
BP and Oman will also consider ways to collaborate in several areas, including a renewables strategy, regulation, the establishment of a renewable energy hub and the development and reskilling of the local workforce.
BP joined Oman’s national hydrogen alliance, Hy-Fly, to promote the hydrogen industry in Oman, and established a net-zero task force to help develop a ‘roadmap’ for BP in Oman.
Bernard Looney, BP Chief Executive, said, “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.”
Dr Mohammed Al Rumhy, Minister of Energy & Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman, commented, “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.”
Lord Gerry Grimstone, the UK’s Minister for Investment, added, “Following the signing last week of the UK-Oman Sovereign Investment Partnership, this investment by BP into Oman’s renewable energy sector is a shining example of our countries’ joint ambition to facilitate strategic and commercial bilateral investment.”
