bp and Oman sign partnership to develop renewable energy

The company will gather and evaluate solar and wind data to help the country’s government approve future developments of energy hubs.

bp has announced the signing of a Strategic Framework Agreement and a Renewables Data Collection Agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals in Oman. Both agreements support the potential development of a multiple gigawatt, world-class renewable energy and green hydrogen development in Oman, by 2030.

“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,” said Bernard Looney, Chief Executive Officer of bp.

The company has committed to capture and evaluate solar and wind data from 8,000 km2 of land. This analysis will then help Oman’s Government in approving future developments of renewable energy hubs at suitable locations in the area. Resources found thanks to the evaluation of data could also supply renewable power for the development of green hydrogen for the domestic and global export markets.

“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. Today’s agreement signals the next step in our energy journey – unlocking the potential for Oman as a low-carbon energy hub,“ added Mohammed Al Rumhy, Minister of Energy & Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman.

The association also considers other possible collaborations between both parties in a number of areas, such as renewables strategy, its regulation and establishing a renewable energy hub while developing and reskilling the local workforce.