TotalEnergies and OQ Launch Pioneering Green LNG Project in Oman

Image Source: Riviera Maritime Media

Oman and TotalEnergies have embarked on a groundbreaking project, Marsa LNG, that redefines the future of LNG production in the Middle East. This innovative venture, located at the Port of Sohar, will be the first-of-its-kind solar-powered LNG facility, significantly reducing its environmental impact.

A Long-Standing Partnership Strengthens:

• A visit by TotalEnergies’ CEO, Patrick Pouyanné, to Oman solidified the long-term partnership between the French energy giant and the Sultanate.
• Meetings with Omani officials reaffirmed TotalEnergies’ commitment to the country’s energy development.

Marsa LNG: An Integrated Approach

• A joint venture between TotalEnergies (80%) and OQ, Oman’s national oil company (20%).
• This integrated project combines several key elements:
  • Upstream Gas Production: Utilizing natural gas from Block 10 to feed the LNG plant.
  • Downstream Gas Liquefaction: Building a 1 million tonne per year LNG plant at Sohar Port, with production starting in 2028. This LNG will primarily serve the marine fuel market (LNG bunkering) in the Gulf.
  • Renewable Power Generation: Constructing a dedicated 300 MW solar power plant to meet the LNG facility’s entire energy needs, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Setting New Sustainability Standards:

• Marsa LNG will be 100% electrically driven and powered by solar energy, making it one of the world’s lowest greenhouse gas emission intensity LNG plants (below 3 kg CO2e/boe).
• This represents a massive reduction compared to the average LNG plant emission intensity (around 35 kg CO2e/boe).

Leading the Way in Green Bunkering:

• Marsa LNG aims to become the first LNG bunkering hub in the Middle East, offering a cleaner alternative fuel for ships.
• Compared to conventional marine fuels, LNG can significantly reduce emissions:
  • Greenhouse gases by up to 23%
  • Nitrogen oxides by up to 85%
  • Sulfur and fine particle emissions by 99%

Oman’s Sustainable Energy Future:

• This project demonstrates TotalEnergies’ commitment to its multi-energy strategy, combining LNG and renewables for a sustainable future.
• Marsa LNG paves the way for the next generation of low-emission LNG plants, positioning Oman as a leader in clean energy production.

TotalEnergies’ Strong Presence in Oman:

• With a presence dating back to 1937, TotalEnergies is a significant contributor to Oman’s energy sector.
• Current activities include oil and gas production, LNG production participation, and exploration activities.
• TotalEnergies is also involved in Oman’s renewable energy development, showcasing its commitment to a diversified energy mix.

Overall, the Marsa LNG project signifies a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Oman and the global shipping industry.