AER launches renewable energy initiative Sahim
With a strong commitment to promoting eco-friendly lifestyles, creating a greener future for generations to come, and contributing to the development and prosperity of Oman, the Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) has launched ‘Sahim’, a renewable energy initiative. Taking advantage of the country’s abundant year-round sunshine, Sahim, which means ‘contribute’ in Arabic, will introduce rooftop solar panels to buildings across the country to generate sustainable and clean energy. This self-generated electricity will help in reducing the reliance on traditional fossil fuels and allow customers to benefit from exporting excess electricity back into the grid.
“We are pleased to launch the first phase of this landmark initiative and do our part in advancing the deployment of renewable energy applications in Oman,” said Qais Saud al Zakwani, Executive Director of the Authority. “Sahim is an initiative of tremendous national significance.
It will help us reduce our dependence on traditional sources of energy like diesel and gas, allowing us to direct these valuable resources to other projects that will benefit the long-term sustainability of the Sultanate.
The use of renewable energy will also reduce our carbon footprint, protect the quality of our air and have other positive benefits. The Authority has consulted and collaborated with Riyada, the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, to ensure Sahim has the maximum possible impact in enabling small and medium enterprises to capitalise on this opportunity.”
Giving further details of the Sahim initiative, Engineer Hilal al Ghaithi, Sahim Project Manager at AER, added, “The project uses photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to generate electricity in homes as well as public and private facilities. To support the safe and efficient implementation of the panels, we have developed a strong regulatory framework that covers all aspects of their use, including the connection of the panels to local electricity networks. All customers wishing to install the solar panels must follow these regulations at all stages of their involvement, from obtaining of the necessary permits through to the final operation phase.”
The Authority began to study the introduction of renewable energy and its incorporation into future electricity requirements in 2008. Following this, they worked intensively and extensively with global experts and highly specialised consultants to assess the feasibility of the introduction of solar panels to the Sultanate. With a focus on sustainability, the Authority then issued the technical controls, procedures and standards for the implementation of the panels according to international best practices.
The results of the Authority’s investigations into the introduction of the eco-friendly panels and the plans for the launch of Sahim were presented at a workshop earlier this year. Attended by over 50 participants including members of government entities, distribution and supply companies, and respected leaders in the field, the event also provided an opportunity to gain further feedback on the proposed system, as well as garner suggestions for further enhancements.