Energy giant bp made a significant contribution to Oman’s natural gas production, producing 546.2 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas in 2022. This achievement was the result of bp’s long-standing commitment to investing in Oman’s energy sector and leveraging its expertise in exploration, production and technology.
In the recently published ‘Socioeconomic Review Oman 2002’, bp said its success in the Sultanate of Oman began back in 2007 when it signed a gas exploration and production agreement for Block 61 with the Omani government.
Since then, bp has been working closely with the government and local partners to develop the country’s natural gas resources and establish a sustainable energy sector.
At present, bp as an operator holds 40 per cent interest in Block 61 while the other partners include OQ (30% interest), PTTEP (20%) and Petronas (10%).
In the review, bp said its production averaged around 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day, as well as around 60,000 barrels of condensate. Total gas production for the year amounted to around 546.2 bcf.
In the same year, bp said it incurred a total of $453 million expenditure (excluding Block 77 which incurred a total expenditure of $2 million). bp is a 50% partner with Eni at Block 77, where the exploration phase includes seismic data processing and the drilling of an exploration well.
BP’s success in Oman has not only been driven by its technical expertise but also by its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices.
The company has implemented a range of measures to minimise its environmental impact, including using advanced technologies to reduce emissions and water usage.
In 2022, bp achieved 67,167 tonnes of equivalent sustainable emission reduction of carbon dioxide. It also signed a Strategic Framework Agreement and a Renewables Data Collection Agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to support the potential development of a multi-gigawatt, world-class renewable energy and green hydrogen project in Oman.
Additionally, BP has worked closely with local communities to develop programmes that promote education, health and economic development.
In the same year, bp spent $247 million with Omani-registered companies. This comprise around 90% of bp’s procurement spend in 2022. bp has also spent $5 million on social investment programmes in 2022 where 40,362 people benefitted from it.
Moreover, bp launched its first national training programme. In October 2022, it launched the ‘Ruwad’ national training programme in collaboration with Oman’s Energy Association and various oil and gas contractors.
The one-year training programme aims to enhance nationalisation and present a framework that enables the upskilling of national competencies and their contribution to the market and economic growth.
It aims to equip technical and non-technical bachelor, diploma and general diploma graduates with the skills needed to build a successful career in the local market.
“We have been able to create a positive impact through our social investment programmes that are designed to create value in the country, and innovative solutions and technologies that contribute to the sustainable development of Oman and the transition to a clean energy future.
By leaning on our relationships and strengthening our partnership with Oman, we aim to provide integrated energy and mobility solutions to help the Sultanate of Oman reduce carbon emissions, establish the 2050 net zero pathway and benefit the people of Oman through social, environmental and economic sustainability initiatives,” Yousuf bin Mohammed al Ojaili, bp Oman President, said.
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