Oman keen to harness benefits of power grid interconnection
FUELLING GROWTH: State-owned power procurer outlines ‘strategic initiatives’
Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), a member of Nama Group (formerly The Electricity Holding Company), says it is continuing to evaluate the potential for power trading with member states of the GCC via the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) set up by the bloc to facilitate, among other objectives, the commercial exchange of electricity.
The wholly government-owned utility, which is the sole procurer of electricity and related water capacity under the sector law, said it has also obtained the regulator’s green-light to factor in the potential benefits of GCC interconnection when assessing the adequacy of Oman’s generation capacity.
“OPWP will continue investigating the opportunities to participate in any visible pilot electricity trading activities with other GCCIA Member States in order to test and establish the necessary arrangements for firm capacity transactions. This would create an alternative option for shortterm contingent capacity, for which OPWP has previously procured rental diesel generators when required,” said the procurer in its newly released 2016 Annual Report.
“Recently OPWP received an approval from the Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) to consider the contribution of the GCCIA interconnection in calculating the requirements for both operating reserves and generation adequacy,” it noted.
The Sultanate joined the GCCIA in December 2014, enabling access to the power systems of other member states via the UAE interconnect. GCCIA membership provides access to generation and operating reserves, with tangible benefits to Oman both for planning and operations. The GCCIA is also developing mechanisms for commercial power trading among member states.
According to OPWP, the existing double circuit 220kV link connecting Oman’s Main Interconnected System (MIS) with the Abu Dhabi grid at Mahadha currently supports reliable transfers of up to 400 MW. However, performance tests have demonstrated its ability to carry up to 800 MW in emergencies. The link is being utilised actively to provide emergency reserves support to the benefit of Oman, the UAE, and other GCCIA member countries.
Importantly, harnessing the benefits of GCCIA membership is one of several ‘strategic initiatives’ outlined by OPWP for implementation over the short-term, the utility said in its Annual Report.
“OPWP has completed the (pilot) power exchange with Abu-Dhabi Transco in 2016 and is exploring opportunities for trading with other GCC Member States under the GCCIA umbrella,” said Hamdan bin Ali al Hinai, Chairman of OPWP, in a foreword.
Yet another initiative of strategic significance concerns the development of detailed market rules for the rollout of a wholesale electricity spot market in the Sultanate, the procurer said.
“The market is scheduled to begin operational trials in 2019 and commercial operation in 2020. The spot market for electricity will operate alongside the existing system of longterm Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Power & Water Purchase Agreements (PWPAs). The market rules will be generally modelled on those that have been developed in other countries with certain modifications relevant to Oman,” it stated. MUSCAT: International Medical Centre-Sugar Apollo (IMC) organised an event to celebrate World Diabetes Day on November 14. Over 100 health conscious attendees took part at this event held at the IMC premises.
The winners of the weight loss programme that concluded at the Oman Refreshment Company were felicitated at this event. It is notable to mention that Harip Mohammed had lost 12 kgs in 3 months time following the diet advice from the chief dietician at IMC.
Dr Praveen (Diabetologist) made this informative event more interactive when he spoke on the importance of detection & maintenance of Life style diseases. As early detection of diabetes is critical for its effective treatment, he emphasised the importance of a yearly medical check-up for everyone over the age of 30. Later Sumaira (chief dietician) spoke on the myths and facts of diet. Much to the surprise of everyone this weight loss programme does not include any diet pill or medication, but the right food at the right intervals to suit the metabolic rate of the individual.
The event also witnessed an “Open House Pharma” in which many Pharmaceutical companies participated. Yoga techniques for stress relief and healthy living was demonstrated by Sahaja Yoga Centre.
“IMC has done over a 1000 free scanning under their “unique spectrum for social cause” initiative in association with various governmental and private organisations”, said Shilpa Shailesh, Director for IMC.