Latest news with #AlAufi
Observer
14-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman and Türkiye sign strategic energy past
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Türkiye have taken a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties with the signing of a wide-ranging Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the energy sector. The agreement, formalised in Muscat, aims to bolster technical collaboration, enhance investment flows and support both nations' transition to sustainable energy systems. The MoU was signed by Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, on behalf of the Omani government and Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Republic of Türkiye. The agreement covers several strategic areas of cooperation, including oil and gas exploration, trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable energy development, energy efficiency and alternative fuels. Key provisions also focus on advancing joint projects in green hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies — critical elements in the global push towards decarbonisation. Under the MoU, both parties have committed to sharing technical expertise and policy experience, developing regulatory frameworks to enhance energy efficiency and exploring innovative technologies and financing mechanisms for clean energy infrastructure. The agreement also encourages the organisation of technical seminars and joint events, fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange. Minister Al Aufi described the agreement as a testament to the deep-rooted strategic partnership between Oman and Türkiye. He emphasised that this cooperation would contribute to Oman's national goals of energy diversification and carbon neutrality while solidifying the Sultanate of Oman's role as a regional energy hub. 'This memorandum represents a key milestone in Oman's road map to energy transformation. It will pave the way for impactful partnerships, especially in renewable energy, carbon capture and green hydrogen — areas that are central to our long-term energy strategy', said Al Aufi. He also reaffirmed Oman's commitment to fostering international cooperation that supports sustainable development, facilitates investment and promotes the transfer of knowledge and innovative solutions. Echoing these sentiments, Minister Bayraktar noted that the MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation across multiple facets of the energy sector. He highlighted Türkiye's interest in Oman's extensive oil and gas resources and pointed to opportunities for joint exploration projects. He also stressed the potential for collaboration in electricity generation from renewable sources, power transmission and market liberalisation. Bayraktar further recalled the long-term agreement signed in 2022 to supply Omani LNG to Türkiye, expressing his desire to expand volumes and deepen cooperation in this domain. 'We see Oman as a reliable partner in energy supply and we aim to elevate our relationship to a more strategic level', he stated. Both ministers agreed that the MoU opens promising new horizons for economic integration, energy security and sustainability. It also reflects the broader diplomatic will of the two nations to work closely on pressing global issues such as climate change and energy transition. This agreement is expected to not only enhance trade volumes in the energy sector but also act as a catalyst for innovation and investment across both economies. — ONA
Observer
10-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's crude oil reserves dip 2.8% to 4.8 billion barrels
MUSCAT: Oman's crude oil and condensate reserves totaled around 4.825 billion barrels at the end of 2024, reflecting a decrease of 2.8 per cent compared to the previous year. Natural gas reserves stood at 23.3 trillion cubic feet (TCF), up from around 23 TCF a year earlier. Announcing these figures in its 2024 Annual Report, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals noted that Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) — the largest oil and gas producer in the Sultanate — accounted for about 62 per cent of total crude oil and condensate reserves in 2024. Highlighting the central role of hydrocarbons in Oman's national economy, Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated: 'Amid global challenges facing energy markets — ranging from price volatility to evolving demand dynamics — Oman, guided by strategic foresight and sound policies, succeeded in maintaining stable production levels in the oil and gas sector. The average daily production of crude oil and condensates reached 992.6 thousand barrels, with total exports of approximately 308.4 million barrels.' He added: 'The average price for Omani crude stood at USD 80.79 per barrel. In the natural gas sector, average daily production reached 149.2 million cubic meters, comprising 117.5 million cubic meters of non-associated gas and 31.7 million cubic meters of associated gas. Exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) totaled 12 million tonnes, delivered across 181 shipments — a clear indication of the sector's operational efficiency and resilience.' Eng Salim al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals As of end-2024, Oman was home to 475 producing fields, comprising 400 oil fields and 75 gas fields. A total of 73 exploration and appraisal wells were drilled last year — 54 for oil and 19 for gas, the report noted. According to Al Aufi, the year 2024 was marked by continued advancements across the oil and gas sectors. 'Our vision remains firmly set on a diversified economic future, enhanced in-country value, and empowered Omani talent across all levels. Despite global challenges, Oman succeeded in maintaining stable production levels in the oil and gas sector, thanks to strategic foresight and sound policies.' Significant progress was also witnessed in the refining and petrochemical sector, said the Minister. A total of 122 million barrels of petroleum products — including gas oil, jet fuel, and naphtha — were exported, while imports dropped to around 2 million barrels, demonstrating growing self-sufficiency and improved value chain efficiency. On the green hydrogen front, 2024 marked a year of 'pioneering milestones' aimed at reinforcing Oman's position as a regional hub for renewable energy and green hydrogen, Al Aufi noted. This was underscored by the signing of eight major hydrogen production agreements — five in Al Wusta Governorate and three in Dhofar. Electricity generated from renewable sources — chiefly solar and wind — accounted for roughly 9 per cent of total power generation in the country last year. This modest but growing share underscores the Ministry's commitment to diversifying the national energy mix and advancing low-carbon solutions, Al Aufi said. The contribution of renewables is set to increase steadily with the commissioning of the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar farms, which will have a combined capacity of 1,000 MW. Also slated for launch by 2026 are the North Oman Solar project and the Riyah 1 and 2 wind farms, which together are projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by over 1.4 million tonnes annually, the Minister noted.
Observer
31-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's first renewable energy storage project imminent
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is making significant efforts to implement green energy projects, as "Oman Vision 2040" aims for these projects to contribute nearly 30 per cent of the country's total electricity generation by 2030. Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, revealed that five to six new renewable energy projects — focused on wind and solar power — will commence this year, with particular emphasis on wind energy due to Oman's strong potential in this sector. Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals Al Aufi noted that these projects will be located in various sites where wind energy has been measured, mostly in the Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates. They are expected to begin production by the end of 2027, generating over 2,000 megawatts. He affirmed that the Ministry of Energy and Minerals is collaborating with its partners in Nama Group and the Authority for Public Services Regulation to explore the best methods for storing renewable energy, whether through conventional or innovative approaches applicable in Oman. He also confirmed that an announcement regarding Oman's first renewable energy storage project will be made soon. The minister added that these projects will strengthen Oman's transition to renewable energy while creating vast opportunities for industries reliant on clean and sustainable power. He highlighted that Oman has already launched the "Manah 1" and "Manah 2" renewable energy plants, with a combined capacity of around 1,000 megawatts. Initial results indicate that each plant is producing over 500 megawatts, exceeding expectations. Furthermore, he explained that the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology; and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) are working to establish a hydrogen pathway by setting up production and supply stations within concession areas. This initiative aims to use hydrogen as fuel for trucks operating between these zones. — ONA
Zawya
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman to continue oil and gas production with cleaner approach
MUSCAT: Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng Salim Nasser al Aufi, emphasised the Sultanate of Oman's continued commitment to producing oil and gas as long as there is a global need for these resources, but with a key distinction: the nation will adopt cleaner, more sustainable methods for their production. Taking part in a panel discussion at the Advantage Oman Forum on Sunday, Al Aufi explained that Oman will balance its ambitious energy transition targets with a commitment to producing oil and gas in an environmentally responsible manner. "While we are not stopping or slowing down hydrocarbon production, we will do so in a much cleaner way," Al Aufi remarked. "For instance, we have set a target to eliminate routine flaring by 2030, and we are working to reduce methane emissions in the same timeframe." Al Aufi also shared details of Oman's ongoing energy transition, highlighting the integration of renewable energy solutions into the oil and gas sector. As part of this effort, oil and gas companies are being encouraged to adopt renewables to power their hydrocarbon operations, transitioning away from traditional electricity sources. Solar thermal energy is also being harnessed to support enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations in some parts of the country, he added. Methanation—the process of converting carbon dioxide into methane through hydrogenation—is another area under active exploration. An initial pilot project will focus on using CO₂ collected from industries and combining it with hydrogen to create synthetic natural gas for potential use in LNG production, Al Aufi explained. In his comments, Al Aufi also reaffirmed Oman's commitment to greener mobility solutions. The country is actively pursuing hydrogen-powered and electric vehicles to reduce the carbon impact of transport within the oil and gas sector. The government is in the final stages of assessing hydrogen trucking, while electric vehicles are being introduced for short-distance travel. Significantly, the government is also focusing on CO₂ capture and sequestration to reduce emissions from industries that are difficult to decarbonize. Through advanced projects, Oman is capturing CO₂ and storing it underground, with initial pilots showing that 60-70 per cent of the CO₂ injected stays sequestered, further advancing the country's climate goals. These initiatives are part of Oman's broader circular economy approach, where waste is minimized, and existing resources are re-used to create additional value. For example, gas that was once flared is now being used to generate electricity, cutting emissions while increasing efficiency across industrial operations. "We are not just reducing waste; we are creating new economic opportunities for Oman," Al Aufi concluded, underscoring the importance of balancing economic growth with sustainability. Also taking part in the panel discussion were Dr Abdullah al Amri, Chairman – Environment Authority, Hilmi Panigoro, President-Director – MedcoEnergi, and Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the GCC. Najla al Jamali, Chief Executive – OQ Alternative Energy, moderated the session. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
27-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman to continue oil and gas production with cleaner approach
MUSCAT: Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals, Eng Salim Nasser al Aufi, emphasised the Sultanate of Oman's continued commitment to producing oil and gas as long as there is a global need for these resources, but with a key distinction: the nation will adopt cleaner, more sustainable methods for their production. Taking part in a panel discussion at the Advantage Oman Forum on Sunday, Al Aufi explained that Oman will balance its ambitious energy transition targets with a commitment to producing oil and gas in an environmentally responsible manner. "While we are not stopping or slowing down hydrocarbon production, we will do so in a much cleaner way," Al Aufi remarked. "For instance, we have set a target to eliminate routine flaring by 2030, and we are working to reduce methane emissions in the same timeframe." Al Aufi also shared details of Oman's ongoing energy transition, highlighting the integration of renewable energy solutions into the oil and gas sector. As part of this effort, oil and gas companies are being encouraged to adopt renewables to power their hydrocarbon operations, transitioning away from traditional electricity sources. Solar thermal energy is also being harnessed to support enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations in some parts of the country, he added. Methanation—the process of converting carbon dioxide into methane through hydrogenation—is another area under active exploration. An initial pilot project will focus on using CO₂ collected from industries and combining it with hydrogen to create synthetic natural gas for potential use in LNG production, Al Aufi explained. In his comments, Al Aufi also reaffirmed Oman's commitment to greener mobility solutions. The country is actively pursuing hydrogen-powered and electric vehicles to reduce the carbon impact of transport within the oil and gas sector. The government is in the final stages of assessing hydrogen trucking, while electric vehicles are being introduced for short-distance travel. Significantly, the government is also focusing on CO₂ capture and sequestration to reduce emissions from industries that are difficult to decarbonize. Through advanced projects, Oman is capturing CO₂ and storing it underground, with initial pilots showing that 60-70 per cent of the CO₂ injected stays sequestered, further advancing the country's climate goals. These initiatives are part of Oman's broader circular economy approach, where waste is minimized, and existing resources are re-used to create additional value. For example, gas that was once flared is now being used to generate electricity, cutting emissions while increasing efficiency across industrial operations. "We are not just reducing waste; we are creating new economic opportunities for Oman," Al Aufi concluded, underscoring the importance of balancing economic growth with sustainability. Also taking part in the panel discussion were Dr Abdullah al Amri, Chairman – Environment Authority, Hilmi Panigoro, President-Director – MedcoEnergi, and Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the GCC. Najla al Jamali, Chief Executive – OQ Alternative Energy, moderated the session.
