Latest news with #PetroleumDevelopmentOman
Observer
4 days ago
- Science
- Observer
The Tradition of Beekeeping in Oman
Across Oman's rugged landscapes, a skilled yet vital tradition continues to thrive — one that hums gently through oases, mountain terraces, and acacia-dotted wadis: beekeeping. As the worldmarked World Bee Day earlier this year, Oman's story was one of heritage and the close relationship between people and nature. Long before honey filled shelves in shops, Omanis tended to bees using practices handed down through generations. Two native species — the small but hardy Apis florea, known locally as Abu Tuwaiq (Father of the Little Collar), and the larger Apis mellifera jemenitica — have been part of Oman's ecosystem and livelihoods for centuries. While the Little Bee is known for foraging in high temperatures and building its single wax comb in trees — and absconding when disturbed — the Big Bee prefers the security of a hive and forages for nectar and pollen in the cooler early mornings and late afternoons. The Big Bee is naturally found in Dhofar and, since the 1600s, has been kept in log hives within the shelter of deep wadis (Sahtan; Bani 'Awf; Bani Kharus) that drain the northern mountains near Rustaq. They were probably introduced, from Yemen, by Imam Saif bin Sultan. Behind these bees are the people who have quietly nurtured them — Omani beekeepers whose skills have produced not only honey but also preserved a profound relationship between land and life. One of the earliest foreign researchers to recognise this was Robert Whitcombe, a young British ecologist who arrived in Oman in 1977. Initially part of a rural development project involving Durham University in the UK, Petroleum Development Oman, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Robert became captivated by the bees — and the people who kept them. C:fakepathIMG_4018 'Oman was little-known back then,' he recalls, 'but I was made welcome and worked closely with farmers. They shared their intimate knowledge of bees and the Omani flora — the source of several delicious honeys despite a harsh climate.' Robert and his colleagues introduced modern hives in the 1970s and 80s, but while his connection to Omani beekeeping persisted, his ecological research expanded into environmental and national planning roles. 'Omani beekeepers are guardians of nature,' he states. 'I've witnessed the close relationship between people and the landscape that sustains them. While Oman has made enormous strides in urban development, the importance of planning that cherishes rural areas should not be overlooked. These areas conserve vital elements of Oman's cultural and natural heritage and offer opportunities for sustainable livelihoods linked to tourism.' One such guardian was the late Nasr Ahmed Al Ghaythi, a dedicated beekeeper from Zahib near Al Mudhaybi, who managed over 30 colonies of Little Bees — probably more than anyone else in the world. His eldest son, Ahmad, reflects: 'My father didn't just keep bees. He trekked into the mountains to find wild colonies, carefully relocated them to our farm, and nurtured them like children. Beekeeping wasn't just a craft for him; honey was not merely food but how he supported our family.' Today, tradition and innovation live on in Misfat Al Abriyeen, where beekeeper Ahmed Mohammed Saif Al Abri has turned a hobby into a thriving business. Starting with just four hives in 1997, Ahmed now tends over 200, exports honey, and offers guided tours. 'We explain our methods to visitors and let them taste Sidr and Samr honey. It's become a way to support the village and share our culture,' he says. These efforts are part of a broader movement to promote eco-tourism and rural livelihoods, supported by local community figures like Abdulrahman Al Abri, founder of Canyon Adventures and Tours. His work connects communities to responsible mountain tourism and environmental education in Al Hamra, Misfah, and further afield in Wukan and Suwgrah. In May, the British Omani Society celebrated the publication of Honeybees in Oman, a book that tells the story of the Little and Big Bees and their guardians. Through a charitable initiative, the Society showcased illustrations by artist Jenny Ryrie. Proceeds from the sale of the original artwork will support conservation efforts led by the Environmental Society of Oman (ESO). Paintings are still available for those wishing to support this cause. As Oman modernises, conservationists emphasise that rural heritage must not be left behind. 'Honeybees are a barometer of environmental health,' says Robert. 'When we protect them, we protect much more — landscape, biodiversity, cultural identity, and sustainable livelihoods.' In a world under increasing environmental pressure, Oman's bees — and their quiet guardians — offer more than just honey. They remind us that some of the most vital treasures are also the smallest, humming softly amidst wildflowers and palms.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: PDO's contribution climbs to $22.5bln in 2024
MUSCAT - Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the largest producer of oil and gas in the Sultanate of Oman, generated approximately $22.5 billion in revenue for the government in 2024, up from around $22 billion a year earlier. Fuelling this uptick was a significant increase in crude oil production, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals noted in its newly published 2024 Annual Report. 'In 2024, PDO recorded its highest oil production in 20 years, exceeding its target and reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the nation's energy supply,' the Ministry stated in the report. 'Gas output remained stable, in line with customer demand, while the company continued to serve as the country's swing producer for gas—requiring it to operate in a highly dynamic mode. The combined daily production of oil, condensate, and non-associated gas remained strong throughout the year.' It further added: 'In a fast-changing energy landscape, the company stayed the course by significantly boosting its contribution to the nation's revenue—amounting to approximately $22.5 billion.' While corresponding production figures for 2024 were not immediately disclosed, PDO's crude oil production averaged 657,599 barrels per day (bpd) in 2023. Condensate output averaged 97,426 bpd, while gas production stood at 58.26 million m³/day, reflecting lower customer demand. According to the report, PDO is focused on sustaining the momentum of its 2024 production performance. 'The Exploration Directorate also delivered another strong year, with several important oil and gas discoveries made across various geological formations in both the northern and southern parts of the concession,' it stated. Enhancing cost competitiveness has been identified as a strategic priority, with a strong commitment to optimising Unit Operating Cost (UOC), PDO noted. To this end, a range of initiatives has been implemented across the company to reduce operating expenditure (Opex) while maintaining a sharp focus on safety and value creation. 'In 2024, PDO's UOC was $7.4/bbl, reflecting ongoing efforts in cost control, enhanced collaboration, an improved operating model, and streamlined processes. Additionally, the company has prioritised deferment reduction and improving facility availability, aiming to reduce total deferments to below 5% by 2030. Total capital and operating expenditure amounted to US$7.264 billion,' the report added. On the technology front, PDO achieved a number of significant milestones in 2024, launching 18 transformative initiatives aimed at unlocking new growth opportunities and addressing critical operational challenges. These initiatives targeted areas such as produced water and energy management, artificial lifting, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), well construction, and production measurement. Of these, 13 technologies were successfully deployed, providing practical solutions in water and energy management, artificial lifting, and well construction. In addition, 15 technology trials were completed, demonstrating strong value potential and paving the way for broader deployment and operational efficiency gains. Further advancing innovation, five joint academia-industry research projects were awarded to Omani universities, targeting priority areas aligned with PDO's long-term goals and Oman's economic diversification agenda. These projects focus on energy efficiency, water management, EOR, bioenergy, materials and corrosion science, and renewable energy. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
PDO's contribution climbs to $22.5 billion in 2024
MUSCAT, JULY 14 Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the largest producer of oil and gas in the Sultanate of Oman, generated approximately $22.5 billion in revenue for the government in 2024, up from around $22 billion a year earlier. Fuelling this uptick was a significant increase in crude oil production, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals noted in its newly published 2024 Annual Report. 'In 2024, PDO recorded its highest oil production in 20 years, exceeding its target and reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the nation's energy supply,' the Ministry stated in the report. 'Gas output remained stable, in line with customer demand, while the company continued to serve as the country's swing producer for gas—requiring it to operate in a highly dynamic mode. The combined daily production of oil, condensate, and non-associated gas remained strong throughout the year.' It further added: 'In a fast-changing energy landscape, the company stayed the course by significantly boosting its contribution to the nation's revenue—amounting to approximately $22.5 billion.' While corresponding production figures for 2024 were not immediately disclosed, PDO's crude oil production averaged 657,599 barrels per day (bpd) in 2023. Condensate output averaged 97,426 bpd, while gas production stood at 58.26 million m³/day, reflecting lower customer demand. According to the report, PDO is focused on sustaining the momentum of its 2024 production performance. 'The Exploration Directorate also delivered another strong year, with several important oil and gas discoveries made across various geological formations in both the northern and southern parts of the concession,' it stated. Enhancing cost competitiveness has been identified as a strategic priority, with a strong commitment to optimising Unit Operating Cost (UOC), PDO noted. To this end, a range of initiatives has been implemented across the company to reduce operating expenditure (Opex) while maintaining a sharp focus on safety and value creation. 'In 2024, PDO's UOC was $7.4/bbl, reflecting ongoing efforts in cost control, enhanced collaboration, an improved operating model, and streamlined processes. Additionally, the company has prioritised deferment reduction and improving facility availability, aiming to reduce total deferments to below 5% by 2030. Total capital and operating expenditure amounted to US$7.264 billion,' the report added. On the technology front, PDO achieved a number of significant milestones in 2024, launching 18 transformative initiatives aimed at unlocking new growth opportunities and addressing critical operational challenges. These initiatives targeted areas such as produced water and energy management, artificial lifting, enhanced oil recovery (EOR), well construction, and production measurement. Of these, 13 technologies were successfully deployed, providing practical solutions in water and energy management, artificial lifting, and well construction. In addition, 15 technology trials were completed, demonstrating strong value potential and paving the way for broader deployment and operational efficiency gains. Further advancing innovation, five joint academia-industry research projects were awarded to Omani universities, targeting priority areas aligned with PDO's long-term goals and Oman's economic diversification agenda. These projects focus on energy efficiency, water management, EOR, bioenergy, materials and corrosion science, and renewable energy.
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Key forum to spotlight corrosion and materials innovation
MUSCAT, JULY 14 The AMPP Oman Chapter, in collaboration with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and the Oman Society for Engineering (OSE), is proud to announce the return of the Oman Corrosion & Materials Innovation Summit, taking place September 15–17, 2025, at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Muscat. Now in its third edition, the summit is set to welcome over 1,000 professionals from around the world to explore the latest advancements in corrosion prevention, materials science, and asset integrity. With the global cost of corrosion estimated at over $2.5 trillion annually, the event will spotlight innovative strategies to extend infrastructure lifespan, improve safety, and reduce operational risks. 'It was one of the most professionally run and well-attended events we've participated in,' said Arin Shahmoradian, Technical Manager at SPI Coatings, reflecting on the 2024 summit. The 2025 edition will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical presentations, and live demonstrations across sectors including oil & gas, utilities, marine, and infrastructure. Topics include AI-driven integrity management, corrosion under insulation (CUI), smart coatings, and advanced NDT technologies. Alongside the three-day programme addressing Corrosion & Materials, the conference agenda includes a focused track devoted to 'AI in Corrosion Prevention.' This cutting-edge theme will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping corrosion and integrity management strategies, enabling smarter decision-making, cost efficiency, and real-time insights across industrial operations. The AI track will be structured around five major themes. First, AI for Corrosion Monitoring in Oil & Gas, which explores how AI enables real-time monitoring of pipelines and storage tanks, with a focus on detecting internal corrosion using machine learning and advanced data analytics. Second, Materials Design & Optimization, highlighting how AI is accelerating the development of corrosion-resistant materials and optimizing alloy compositions and protective coatings through predictive modeling. Third, AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance, where participants will learn how integrating AI with IoT sensors helps predict corrosion in critical systems, minimize unplanned downtime, and reduce maintenance costs through proactive intervention. Fourth, AI in Corrosion Inhibition will demonstrate how AI is being used to optimize the selection and dosage of corrosion inhibitors, including predictive models that assess inhibitor effectiveness across various environments. And fifth, AI in Integrity, which focuses on how AI enhances integrity assessment processes—supporting lifecycle asset management, automating risk profiling, and helping asset owners make better-informed decisions. This year's summit takes on added urgency as Oman expands investments in energy, infrastructure, and industrial development. While corrosion is often seen as a background issue, its economic impact is substantial—accounting for an estimated 3–5% of national GDP, based on AMPP figures. For Oman, this translates into hundreds of millions of rials lost annually. Experts believe that with the right strategies in place, Oman could recover up to 30% of these losses by improving corrosion prevention, localizing testing capabilities, and accelerating the adoption of advanced materials and coatings. 'We are proud to host a global platform that fosters scientific collaboration and positions Oman as a center of excellence for corrosion and materials science,' said Amjad al Kharusi, Chairperson of the AMPP Oman Chapter and Conference Chair. Registration is now open. Professionals from across Oman, the GCC, and beyond are invited to join this high-impact platform to exchange ideas, explore new technologies, and forge strategic partnerships in corrosion mitigation and materials innovation.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's OQAE targets over 10 GW renewables by 2035
MUSCAT: OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) – the clean energy arm of integrated Omani energy group OQ – has announced plans to develop over 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy production capacity within a decade. It also aims to bring a portion of its green hydrogen production capacity online within this timeframe. According to Najla al Jamali, OQ Alternative Energy CEO, these goals are aligned with the company's decarbonisation and energy transition strategies, consistent with its mandate as Oman's national champion for clean-energy development. 'By 2035, I envision OQAE exceeding 10 GW in renewable energy production and becoming a regional leader, possibly expanding beyond Oman. I would like to see our hydrogen projects supplying both domestic and international markets. Ideally, we would minimise export dependencies by fostering local offtake,' Al Jamali said in an interview with The Energy Year, a London-based news portal. The rollout of this portfolio is already underway, with the recent launch of construction of three renewable energy projects – the Riyah 1 and Riyah 2 wind farms and the North Oman Solar project – with a combined capacity of around 300 MW, the output of which is contracted to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the country's largest oil and gas producer. In addition, OQAE is supporting another 300 MW solar farm to provide clean energy for the Marsa LNG bunkering project currently under construction at Sohar Port. In the interview, Al Jamali highlighted the critical role of international partnerships in delivering OQAE's ambitious clean energy agenda. These partners contribute not only equity but also advanced technology and operational expertise. Many of them – including oil and gas producers and hard-to-abate industries – are also prospective customers for OQAE's clean energy output as they pursue their own decarbonisation pathways. 'In clean energy, our customer base includes PDO, Marsa LNG, Oxy and OQ Exploration & Production (OQEP),' she noted. 'Our potential customers include oil and gas companies such as PDO, BP, Shell and Oxy, as well as industrial players like Vale, Jindal and Sohar Aluminium. Within OQ Group itself, we also look to serve the refinery and plants in Salalah.' Significantly, OQAE is expanding its role in solar and wind energy development aimed at meeting Oman's national renewable energy targets. Earlier this year, OQAE secured a commitment for a stake of up to 25 per cent in all future renewable energy projects procured by Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) – the sole procurer of new power and water capacity in Oman. This commitment encompasses all upcoming solar and wind projects (and potentially other forms of alternative energy as well), beginning with the Ibri III Solar PV project, a 500 MW scheme slated for development in Al Dhahirah Governorate. 'As the national champion, we have rights in Nama Power and Water Procurement tenders. Three projects have already been floated. Ibri III has been awarded, while the Jaalan Bani Bu Ali and Dhofar Wind 2 projects are progressing. Nama Power and Water Procurement has also allocated around 1 GW of wind capacity to us, with some sites already identified and others pending selection,' Al Jamali explained. On the progress of OQAE's green hydrogen ventures, the CEO stated: 'We expect our hydrogen projects to advance from around 2030 onward, with some developments extending into the following decade.' She added: 'Our Hyport project features a 500 MW electrolyser. Green Energy Oman and Salalah H2 each represents around 2 GW. Collectively, these three legacy projects are expected to deliver approximately 400 kilotonnes per year. We believe they are among the most advanced in the region, having gathered wind data and progressed to the pre-FEED stage.'
