Forum focuses on Oman’s solar power projects
Times News Service
MUSCAT: A matchmaking event, that brought together more than 170 different companies and individuals to explore opportunities across the solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) supply chain, was hosted recently.
The aim of the event was to connect local companies in the supply chain with international developers bidding on Oman’s large solar IPP projects, for both current and future opportunities.
The event follows the first Renewable Energy Series hosted by the Oman American Business Centre (OABC), in partnership with Shams Global Solutions (SGS) and Dii Desert Energy (Dii).
The keynote address was delivered by Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Mahrouqi, Chairman of the Public Authority of Electricity and Water (PAEW), which focused on strategic goals and specific policies that will foster future alternative power projects in Oman. Presentations were made by Andrew Rae, chief operating officer of Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), and Sami Baqi Al Lawati, Oil South Director of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). They discussed the details of their own solar IPP tenders, and the differences between the two projects. The two organisations also sponsored the event, which was held at Grand Hormuz Hotel.
“It was fantastic to see the world’s largest solar photovoltaic project developers all come to Oman for this event. Some were here for the very first time, showing their commitment to current and future solar projects in Oman, and meeting dozens of local companies under one roof, face to face,” Rebecca Olson, executive director of the OABC, said.
“This networking opportunity is a validation of Oman’s mission to diversify its energy sources and develop large-scale renewable energy projects, particularly utility-scale solar-photovoltaic projects. One of the main takeaways is that Oman is moving forward with genuine renewable energy plans as a long-term strategy in developing its energy supply,” said Dr Michael Tsang, OABC Board Member and Co-Founder of SGS.
“In fact, some 3GW of renewable energy projects will need to satisfy 10 per cent of energy consumption by 2025,” he added.
“One of our cornerstone missions is to include and develop the local ecosystem. This event enabled the whole ecosystem to hear from key stakeholders on the importance of inclusion and capacity development of the local content. I am thrilled to see this dialogue start and progress further,” said Dr Firas Al Abduwani, event moderator, OABC Board member and co-founder of SGS.
The event reflected the Sultanate’s commitment to utilising and exploring renewable energy to deliver long-term solutions and develop its power supply mix. This interest was further reinforced by the attendance of local and international companies that actively engaged in “round-table” sessions, encouraging constructive dialogue between stakeholders keen to participate in solar projects.
Renewable energy
Moving forward, the OABC renewable energy committee plans to utilise the information obtained through discussions and surveys to create an event proceedings report. The findings will underscore the content delivered and the impact on the attendees, the solar market and Oman.
Stephen Wolseley, business development manager, Worley Parsons, said, “This was an excellent event! It certainly achieved its aim, and provided an important opportunity for utility scale solar project stakeholders to come together and discuss some of the subjects that matter to them. We were pleased to have been able to support this initiative and look forward to being able to support and participate in future OABC Renewable Series Events.”
In partnership with SGS and Dii, OABC is planning a third renewable energy series event in the fall of 2018. Meanwhile, the current proceedings report will be available on the websites of OABC, its sponsors, its partners and others.