Oman plans to build a major green hydrogen development with bp as a “next step” in its energy journey, Kallanish learns from the Omani energy and minerals ministry on Monday.

The parties signed a strategic framework agreement, as well as a renewables data collection agreement, to support the potential of a “multiple gigawatt, world-class renewable energy and green hydrogen” project by 2030.

The integrated project will include onshore wind, solar and green hydrogen production, targeting both the domestic supply and the global exports markets. Further details into its scale will be announced at a later stage, with the development also subject to a final agreement on commercial terms.

To begin with, bp will evaluate 8,000 square kilometres of land – roughly five times the size of Greater London --  to identify suitable locations for renewable hubs. The agreement follows bp’s investment into Oman’s renewable energy sector last week, and its efforts to help the country to achieve its target to produce 30 gigawatts of hydrogen both blue and green by 2040, plus 25 GW of solar and wind energy.

“This is a proud moment for Oman and a significant step towards delivering our 2040 Vision,” comments energy minister Mohammed Al Rumhy. “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,” he adds.

bp’s ceo Bernard Looney says the agreement illustrates what the company can offer as an integrated energy company, which has been operating in Oman’s oil and gas industry for 15 years. The British company has also joined Oman’s national hydrogen alliance Hy-Fly to promote the hydrogen industry in the country.