BP has acquired a 49% interest in the Hyport green hydrogen project in Oman from the state-owned energy group OQ and Belgium’s Dredging, Environmental and Marine Engineering (DEME).
The Hyport Duqm project, selected in Oman’s first round of green hydrogen tenders, aims to produce approximately 57,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. This production volume is significant, yet it is crucial to compare it against global standards. For context, projects like the Western Green Hydrogen Hub in Australia plan to produce up to 250,000 tonnes annually. This comparison highlights that while Hyport Duqm is a step forward, it operates on a smaller scale relative to other major projects.
The deal’s completion is subject to regulatory clearance, reflecting the complex landscape of international energy investments. The regulatory environment in Oman, while increasingly supportive of renewable energy, presents its own set of challenges. BP’s experience in navigating these hurdles will be crucial for the project’s success. Additionally, the global green hydrogen market’s volatility and evolving technology standards will impact the project’s feasibility and competitiveness.
BP is also developing another green hydrogen project near Duqm, in the Al Wusta Governorate. This project is currently in the development stage, with data collection involving LiDAR devices, solar stations, and met masts underway. This indicates BP’s strategic focus on Oman as a key player in its green hydrogen strategy. However, the success of these projects depends on the integration of innovative technologies and efficient resource management.