Pact signed for mega solar thermal plant in Oman

barrels of solar steam per day. The solar steam would be purchased by Occidental and used to facilitate production of heavy oil. With preliminary studies complete, engineering work has now commenced to define the project scope and field integration plans.

Dr Mohammed bin Hamad al Rumhy, Minister of Oil and Gas said, “As we continue to diversify Oman’s economy and develop the renewable energy sector, we are also identifying ways to save our natural gas resources. Oman’s vast heavy oilfields present one of the largest opportunities to deploy solar energy and conserve gas, which can instead be used to fuel industries and generate power. We’re pleased to see this progress between Occidental of Oman and Glasspoint, which can deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits to the Sultanate.”

Operating in Oman for more than 30 years, Occidental of Oman is the largest independent oil producer in the country. At the Mukhaizna field, Occidental of Oman has implemented one of the world’s largest steam flood projects for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

Glasspoint’s solar steam generators use large mirrors to concentrate sunlight and boil oilfield water into steam.

Occidental of Oman would purchase the steam under a long-term off-take agreement, providing a cost-effective, zero-emissions alternative to steam generated using natural gas.