Latest news with #SalimbinNasserAlAufi
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
22-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Mining concession awarded for RO 200m sea salt production project
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals signed on Sunday, June 22, 2025, a mining concession agreement with Integrated Global Engineering Company to develop natural salt production in Concession Area I-51, located in Al Wusta Governorate. The concession covers a total area of 15 square kilometres. The agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of the Sultanate of Oman by Eng Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, while Shaikh Ali bin Salim al Junaibi, Chairman of Integrated Global Engineering Company, signed on behalf of the company. The agreement aims to expand the production capacity of the existing salt plant and establish additional facilities to increase the annual output of natural salt to 1.2 million tonnes. The salt will be extracted through the construction of seawater storage ponds, followed by natural evaporation using wind and solar heat. The salt will then be dried, refined, and packaged. The estimated investment value of the project is RO 200 million. Al Aufi emphasised that the project represents a strategic step forward in advancing economic diversification in the Sultanate. He noted that the project is expected to create significant employment opportunities for Omani citizens. The primary objective is to boost the production of natural salt and develop its industrial derivatives for use in various projects aligned with sustainable development goals. The minister also highlighted that this is the third sea salt production project signed in Oman, as part of the Ministry's broader strategy to promote local industries, maximise the utilisation of natural resources, and reduce dependence on imported products. Shaikh Ali bin Salim al Junaibi, Chairman of Integrated Global Engineering Company, stated that obtaining Concession Area I-51 in Al Wusta will help realise the company's vision of increasing production capacity to one million tonnes annually. He added that the project is expected to meet domestic market demand as well as the needs of downstream industries currently under development, in line with the economic goals of Oman Vision 2040. The company also plans to produce multiple derivatives of salt required by both local and global markets, particularly for food processing, animal feed, and pharmaceutical industries. Shaikh Al Junaibi further affirmed that the agreement reinforces the government's strategy to localise industries, make full use of natural resources, and reduce reliance on imports—contributing to the enhancement of the national economy and generating a range of job opportunities for Omani talent, including part-time work for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Arabian Business
02-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
TotalEnergies and OQEP break ground on Marsa LNG, Middle East's first bunkering hub
TotalEnergies and Oman's OQ Exploration and Production announced the groundbreaking of their Marsa LNG plant. The commencement of the project, coming up in the port of Sohar, northern Oman, comes one year after the final investment decision. The 1 million ton per year (Mt/y) liquefaction plant is being built by Marsa LNG LLC, a joint company between TotalEnergies (80 per cent equity stake) and OQEP (20 per cent stake). The LNG production, which is expected to start in the first quarter of 2028, is primarily intended to serve the marine fuel market – LNG bunkering – in the Gulf. The Marsa LNG plant will be fully electrified, with provision for a 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) photovoltaic solar farm that will supply the equivalent of the plant's annual energy needs. The plant is billed as one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants in the world, with less than 3 kg CO 2 e/boe of scope 1 and 2 emissions. Located at the entrance to the Gulf, the Marsa LNG site will be the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, the companies said. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, said the flagship project demonstrates that LNG production can be very low carbon, contributing to making gas a long-term transition fuel. 'With an ambitious technical design, we intend to set the standard and pave the way for the next generation of low-emissions LNG plants across the world. 'We also offer an effective way to support the shipping sector's energy transition, by providing lower-emissions marine fuel in a key location at the entrance of the Gulf,' he said. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Oman's Minister of Energy and Minerals, reiterated the ministry's steadfast commitment to supporting downstream energy projects as a vital pillar of economic integration across the industrial, trade, port, and logistics sectors. 'The Marsa LNG project, a strategic collaboration project between OQ Exploration & Production and TotalEnergies, embodies this commitment by developing advanced infrastructure for supplying vessels with LNG as an alternative clean fuel,' he said. Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP, said the Marsa LNG project represents a solid step forward, harnessing cutting-edge technology and strategic collaboration to ensure a cleaner, and affordable energy future. 'As the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, Marsa LNG will play a pivotal role in reducing emissions in the shipping industry while reinforcing Oman's position as a key player in the global energy sector,' he said. A charter contract for a new LNG bunkering vessel has been signed by Marsa LNG LLC, the company said. The vessel, currently under construction, will be stationed in Sohar from 2028, where it will supply LNG to a wide range of vessels such as container ships, tankers and large cruise ships, it said.
Trade Arabia
01-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
TotalEnergies, OQEP break ground at Marsa LNG
TotalEnergies and OQ Exploration and Production on Thursday celebrated the ground-breaking of the Marsa LNG plant, in the port of Sohar, northern Oman. This comes one year after the final investment decision on the project. The vent was held under the patronage of Eng Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy & Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman; Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies; and Ahmed Al Azkawi, OQ Exploration and Production CEO. The 1 million ton per year (Mt/y) liquefaction plant is being built by Marsa LNG LLC, a joint company between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQEP (20%). The LNG production, which is expected to start in the first quarter of 2028, is primarily intended to serve the marine fuel market (LNG bunkering) in the Gulf. One of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants The Marsa LNG plant is fully electrified and combined with a 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) photovoltaic solar farm that will supply the equivalent of the plant's annual energy needs. Marsa LNG will therefore be one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants in the world, with less than 3 kg CO2e/boe of scope 1 and 2 emissions. For reference, this is 90% lower than the average carbon intensity of LNG plants in the world, which stands around 35 kg CO2e/boe. First marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East Ideally located at the entrance to the Gulf, the Marsa LNG site has been selected to establish the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. A charter contract for a new LNG bunkering vessel has been signed by Marsa LNG LLC. This vessel, named Monte Shams in reference to the Jabal Shams or the 'Mountain of the Sun' in north-eastern Oman, is under construction and will be stationed in Sohar from 2028, where it will supply LNG to a wide range of vessels (container ships, tankers, large cruise ships). In the maritime industry, LNG is an immediately available transition fuel allowing a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 20% compared to fuel oil. Ships using LNG in Sohar, will further reduce their GHG emissions thanks to the low carbon intensity of the LNG production in Marsa LNG, and local bunkering without the need to transport LNG to a distant bunkering port. "I'm very proud to see Marsa LNG breaking ground, alongside our longstanding partner OQEP, and with the strong support from the Sultanate's authorities. This flagship project demonstrates that LNG production can be very low carbon, contributing to making gas a long-term transition fuel. With an ambitious technical design, we intend to set the standard and pave the way for the next generation of low-emissions LNG plants across the world. We also offer an effective way to support the shipping sector's energy transition, by providing lower-emissions marine fuel in a key location at the entrance of the Gulf', said Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. Minister Al Aufi stated: 'The ministry reiterates its steadfast commitment to supporting downstream energy projects as a vital pillar of economic integration across the industrial, trade, port, and logistics sectors. The Marsa LNG project, a strategic collaboration project between OQ Exploration & Production and TotalEnergies, embodies this commitment by developing advanced infrastructure for supplying vessels with LNG as an alternative clean fuel. "This project marks a significant step in advancing low-emission energy solutions, reinforcing Oman's position as a reliable regional hub for clean maritime fuel. It aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in sustainability and industrial innovation. Additionally, it underscores our dedication to providing responsible energy solutions for the global shipping sector while actively reducing its carbon footprint. "While we welcome this pioneering partnership, we affirm that investment in downstream energy projects is a key driver of economic growth, creating quality, sustainable job opportunities, facilitating knowledge transfer, and developing national expertise, all of which strengthen Oman's readiness to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy sources." Al Azkawi said: "At OQEP, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability in Oman's energy landscape. The Marsa LNG project represents a solid step forward, harnessing cutting-edge technology and strategic collaboration to ensure a cleaner, and affordable energy future. As the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, Marsa LNG will play a pivotal role in reducing emissions in the shipping industry while reinforcing Oman's position as a key player in the global energy sector. We take immense pride in contributing to this transformative journey—one that sets new standards for low-carbon energy solutions."
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oman: TotalEnergies and OQEP break ground at Marsa LNG
Marsa LNG will be one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants in the world Marsa LNG will be the first marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, supporting the shipping industry's energy transition PARIS, May 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy & Minerals of the Sultanate of Oman, Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE), and Ahmed Al Azkawi, OQ Exploration and Production CEO, celebrated the ground-breaking of the Marsa LNG plant, in the port of Sohar, northern Oman, one year after the Final Investment Decision. The 1 million ton per year (Mt/y) liquefaction plant is being built by Marsa LNG LLC, a joint company between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQEP (20%). The LNG production, which is expected to start in the first quarter of 2028, is primarily intended to serve the marine fuel market (LNG bunkering) in the Gulf. One of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants in the world The Marsa LNG plant is fully electrified and combined with a 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) photovoltaic solar farm that will supply the equivalent of the plant's annual energy needs. Marsa LNG will therefore be one of the lowest carbon intensity LNG plants in the world, with less than 3 kg CO2e/boe of scope 1 and 2 emissions. For reference, this is 90% lower than the average carbon intensity of LNG plants in the world, which stands around 35 kg CO2e/boe1. The first marine LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East Ideally located at the entrance to the Gulf, the Marsa LNG site has been selected to establish the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East. A charter contract for a new LNG bunkering vessel has been signed by Marsa LNG LLC. This vessel, named Monte Shams in reference to the Jabal Shams or the "Mountain of the Sun" in north-eastern Oman, is under construction and will be stationed in Sohar from 2028, where it will supply LNG to a wide range of vessels (container ships, tankers, large cruise ships). In the maritime industry, LNG is an immediately available transition fuel allowing a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 20% compared to fuel oil. Ships using LNG in Sohar, will further reduce their GHG emissions thanks to the low carbon intensity of the LNG production in Marsa LNG, and local bunkering without the need to transport LNG to a distant bunkering port. "I'm very proud to see Marsa LNG breaking ground, alongside our longstanding partner OQEP, and with the strong support from the Sultanate's authorities. This flagship project demonstrates that LNG production can be very low carbon, contributing to making gas a long-term transition fuel. With an ambitious technical design, we intend to set the standard and pave the way for the next generation of low-emissions LNG plants across the world. We also offer an effective way to support the shipping sector's energy transition, by providing lower-emissions marine fuel in a key location at the entrance of the Gulf", said Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. Commenting on the groundbreaking of Marsa LNG, His Excellency Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, stated: "The Ministry reiterates its steadfast commitment to supporting downstream energy projects as a vital pillar of economic integration across the industrial, trade, port, and logistics sectors. The Marsa LNG project, a strategic collaboration project between OQ Exploration & Production and TotalEnergies, embodies this commitment by developing advanced infrastructure for supplying vessels with LNG as an alternative clean fuel. This project marks a significant step in advancing low-emission energy solutions, reinforcing Oman's position as a reliable regional hub for clean maritime fuel. It aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in sustainability and industrial innovation. Additionally, it underscores our dedication to providing responsible energy solutions for the global shipping sector while actively reducing its carbon footprint. While we welcome this pioneering partnership, we affirm that investment in downstream energy projects is a key driver of economic growth, creating quality, sustainable job opportunities, facilitating knowledge transfer, and developing national expertise, all of which strengthen Oman's readiness to meet the growing demand for sustainable energy sources". "At OQEP, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability in Oman's energy landscape. The Marsa LNG project represents a solid step forward, harnessing cutting-edge technology and strategic collaboration to ensure a cleaner, and affordable energy future. As the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, Marsa LNG will play a pivotal role in reducing emissions in the shipping industry while reinforcing Oman's position as a key player in the global energy sector. We take immense pride in contributing to this transformative journey—one that sets new standards for low-carbon energy solutions", said Ahmed Al Azkawi, CEO of OQEP. TotalEnergies in Oman TotalEnergies has been present in Oman since 1937. The Company launched in 2024 a flagship project, the integrated Marsa LNG project (80%), which combines natural gas production from Block 10, a full electric liquefaction plant of 1Mt/y capacity intended to serve as the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East and a dedicated 300 MWp PV solar plant. TotalEnergies' oil and gas production in Oman was 65 kboe/d in 2024. TotalEnergies produces oil in Block 6 (4%), natural gas in Block 10 (26.55% via Marsa LNG LLC) as well as LNG through its participation in Oman LNG (5.54%)/Qalhat LNG (2.04% via Oman LNG). On the onshore Block 11 (22.5%), three positive appraisal wells were performed in 2023 and 2024. The Company contributes actively to the development of renewables in the country with currently a 600 MW portfolio and the willingness to grow further. TotalEnergies, the world's third largest LNG player TotalEnergies is the world's third largest LNG player with a global portfolio of 40 Mt/y in 2024 thanks to its interests in liquefaction plants in all geographies. The Company benefits from an integrated position across the LNG value chain, including production, transportation, access to more than 20 Mt/y of regasification capacity in Europe, trading, and LNG bunkering. TotalEnergies' ambition is to increase the share of natural gas in its sales mix to close to 50% by 2030, to reduce carbon emissions and aim for zero methane emissions associated with the gas value chain, and to work with local partners to promote the transition from coal to natural gas. TotalEnergies supports the role of LNG in shipping's energy transition Marine LNG sharply reduces emissions from ships and significantly improves air quality, in particular when at berth, for the benefit of port cities and communities in coastal areas. Used as a marine fuel, LNG helps to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 23% compared to conventional marine fuel and has the potential to reduce emissions significantly more if bio or synthetic LNG is used. As such, marine LNG is a more sustainable, affordable and immediately available way of reducing emissions in the shipping sector. TotalEnergies has actively invested in LNG bunkering infrastructure, critical to supporting its shipping customers' adoption of LNG as a marine fuel. The Company currently deploys three LNG bunker vessels: the Gas Agility at the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, the Gas Vitality at the Port of Marseille-Fos, France, and the Brassavola at the Port of Singapore. About OQEP OQEP was incorporated on 20 May 2009 and registered in the Sultanate of Oman as a limited liability company and was then converted to an SAOC on the Commercial Register on 15 July 2024. On October 28, 2024, OQEP successfully listed its shares, and become a public joint stock Company. The Company's core business activities include extraction of crude petroleum and natural gas, drilling of oil and natural gas wells, service activities incidental to the extraction of petroleum and natural gas (excluding surveying) and exploration and prospecting activities for oil or gas fields. The Company is Oman's largest pure-play oil and gas exploration and production company. It is also one of the largest holders of oil and gas reserves in Oman, producing 227,800 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024. The mission of the Company is to safely and efficiently explore commercially viable oil and gas opportunities across its contract areas in a way that can be monetised efficiently to support the Company's growth aspirations. The Company's exploration programme is designed to drive reserves replenishment to support its future growth. For more information about OQEP, please visit: About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to providing as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations @TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies Cautionary Note The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 1 Source IEA: The Oil and Gas Industry in Net Zero Transitions report from Nov 2023. View source version on Contacts OQEP Contacts Alya Al Raisi – Head of Communication and BrandingPhone: +96893204470 l Email: TotalEnergies Contacts Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@ l @TotalEnergiesPR Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
