Oman to freeze new gas-based power projects

Oman to freeze new gas-based power projects

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The Sultanate of Oman is making a clean break with new gas-based power generation investments for the foreseeable future, in line with a commitment to harnessing renewables for an increasing share of the nation’s energy requirements, a top official of the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) announced here on Monday.

Shaikh Dr Mansoor al Hinai , Chairman, said the switch from gas-based generation, currently the mainstay of the nation’s power generation segment, to solar and wind resources , is broadly mandated by the Vision 2040 charter for the country’s long-term development.

“A decision has been taken that, meeting any growth in electricity demand in the new future, is from renewable sources only,” Dr Al Hinai said. “Accordingly, we are no longer floating any tenders other than for solar at this time, and we are considering wind as well. These are primarily the sources of power generation for Oman for the upcoming period, with the objective to achieve targets set out in the Vision 2040.”

Taking part in a ‘High-Level Policymakers and Senior Executives Session’ held during the start of the ISRTC Conference, which opened at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) on Monday, Dr Al Hinai said all of the key