Dec 14 2010
Adrian Wood, Siemens, Middle East’s Head of Renewable Energy, in a discussion with the media has prompted the government of Oman to venture into renewable energy projects soon to match its energy production from fossil fuel sources.
He said that Oman enjoys good solar radiation, vast land availability and its government has an aspiration to implement solar power generation projects. He said that his company will participate in the anticipated tender for a PV-CSP plant from the government of Oman next April and added that his company will also participate in wind farm installations if the government settles to install a wind farm.
Recently, Electricity Regulation Authority of Oman identified six pilot projects for renewable energy and has plans to develop two of the projects soon while the other four will be processed after completing the discussions with the developing companies. A renewable energy study undertaken and published by the government in 2008 established the handiness of wind and solar energy sources in the country. The study in its report has suggested a number of developments to rein solar and wind energy sources and the needed support from the government for the projects.
Adrian said that the various governments in the Mena region, which includes the Sultanate of Oman, are planning for an energy mix in their usage, which includes introduction of renewable energy. He explained that in addition to the intention of the country to implement renewable energy solutions to address greenhouse gas emission issues of growth in population also necessitates the immediate introduction and use of clean energy sources.