BP signed a pact with Oman on Monday to deliver a “multiple gigawatt world-class” renewable energy and hydrogen project by 2030.
The Strategic Framework Agreement between the British energy company and the sultanate will see the development of an integrated plant set to include wind, solar and green hydrogen production.
The pact, signed by Mohammed Al Rumhy, Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals, and Stephen Willis, BP's senior vice president in the Middle East, could trigger “significant investment” in Oman, according to BP and support the creation of new industries and skilled jobs.
“Today’s agreement represents what BP is able to offer as an integrated energy company,” said Bernary Looney, chief executive of BP.
“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.”
The deal marks the first significant agreement between Oman and a British company since the two countries signed a Sovereign Investment Partnership deal last week to work more closely on increasing high-value investment into both countries.
The new pact between the UK’s Office for Investment and the Oman Investment Authority was signed in London with the aim of strengthening economic ties between the UK and Oman.
“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,” the UK’s Minister for Investment Lord Gerry Grimstone said on Monday.
“The project demonstrates our shared vision for future prosperity through clean growth, further strengthening the partnership between the UK and the Sultanate of Oman.”
As part of the agreement between BP and Oman, the energy company will capture and evaluate solar and wind data from 8000 square kilometres of land — an area more than five times the size of Greater London.
The research will help the Oman government approve future renewable energy hubs at sustainable locations in that area, with the potential for development of green hydrogen, targeting both domestic and global export markets.
“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 Mr Looney.
“We look forward to working closely with the Omani government to take this forward.”
UK companies have a long history of investment in Oman, with foreign direct investments from the UK accounting for nearly 50 per cent of the foreign investment into the sultanate in recent years.
The two countries share a trading relationship worth nearly £979 million in the year to the end of the second quarter of 2021.
Mr Al Rumhy described the deal “as a proud moment for Oman and a significant step towards delivering our 2040 Vision”, which was approved at the end of last year and acts as a blueprint for growth and economic development.
“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,” said Mr 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.”
The new pact will also see BP and Oman collaborate on a renewables strategy, regulation, the establishment of a renewable energy hub and the development and reskilling of the local workforce.
Oman is a relatively small crude producer compared with its Gulf neighbours and is now looking to become a leading low-carbon energy hub as it strives to diversify the economy and bolster investment.
Meanwhile, BP is looking to build on its 15-year history in Oman, where it operates Block 61, which produces a third of the country’s gas demand.
In 2020, BP’s Oman business spent $610 million with Omani-registered companies — 90 per cent of its total spend — while in 2021 the energy firm joined Oman’s national hydrogen alliance, Hy-Fly, to promote the hydrogen sector in the country.
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Al Jazira's foreign quartet for 2017/18
Romarinho, Brazil
Lassana Diarra, France
Sardor Rashidov, Uzbekistan
Mbark Boussoufa, Morocco
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UAE and Russia in numbers
UAE-Russia ties stretch back 48 years
Trade between the UAE and Russia reached Dh12.5 bn in 2018
More than 3,000 Russian companies are registered in the UAE
Around 40,000 Russians live in the UAE
The number of Russian tourists travelling to the UAE will increase to 12 percent to reach 1.6 million in 2023
England's all-time record goalscorers:
Wayne Rooney 53
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Gary Lineker 48
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Tom Finney 30
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Alan Shearer 30
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Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
