Renewable Energy In

Oman
Dr. Ahmed Said Al-Busaidi
Program Manager- Renewable Energy
Strategic Research Program
The Research Council
Nov 2015

4th Annual MENA Clean

Energy Forum Dec 2015
 Outline
1. Renewable Energy Statues in Oman

2. PAEW Completed and current studies

3. Opportunities and Barriers

4. Renewable Energy Strategic Research

Program

5. Other TRC initiatives in renewable energy

Institute of advance integrated technology

Oman Echo Houses design Competition

 Solar Energy Assessment

The solar isolation varies from 4.5 to 6.1 kWh/

m2 per day which corresponding to 1640
2200 kWh per year per square meter.
The consumption of energy is higher during
the summer time due toGlobal
the solar radiation. Average 1987-1992. kWh/m2 per day
need for air
conditioning. 7.00
6.09
Theoretically, it is6.00possible to power Oman
5.38
by
5.48
5.69

utilizing about 280 km of desert from solar

2
5.00
collectors, corresponding 4.51
to 0.1%
4.53
of the area
kWh/m2 per day

of the country. 4.00

The study has also
3.00 found that the PV energy

at the best location is competitive with diesel

2.00
generation without including the externality
costs of diesel. 1.00
An average of about
0.00 6000 tons CO2 and
5000 tons of GHG emissions
Salalah can
Sur be avoided.
Buraimi Seeb Fahud Marmul
 Wind Assessment
9.0
10 m agl
8.0
Annual mean wind speed, m/s
80 m agl
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
Qairoon Thumrait Masirah Joba Sur
Hariti
Location

The high wind speeds are found along the coast from Masirah to Salalah. The
highest wind speeds are in the Dhofar Mountain, during the summer period.
The maximum expected energy is at Thumrat for an almost 4.5 kWh/m2/year
Offshore: There is a lot of wind energy available offshore.
The wind remains a suitable economic option for small remote applications
where the national grid is not yet extended
 Biomass Energy

Biogas resources material for generation is primarily available in the northern

part of Oman in the forms of waste water and agriculture waste and in the
southern part of Oman in the forms of waste water, animal dung and
agriculture waste.

The biomass sector has the potential to expand without harmful effects on
food supplies and the environment if done in a sustainable manner.

Greater recovery of wood from unmanaged and managed wood and could
make a significant contribution to Oman energy targets.

Moreover, in Oman there are several landfills which can be utilized to

produce methane gas so that it can be used as a fuel source.

Biogas investments: limitation (collection of materials and availability of these

materials because these are processed and used as fertilizer)

No industry of biofuels in Oman

The waste water system is covering only small part of Oman, which currently is
not sufficient to provide a fuel for a power plant.

There is good potential for the Oman to expand its production of sustainable
bio-fuel in the future if the infrastructure and the right industry is available.
 Geothermal Energy

The geothermal energy does not have any potential

use in the country.

Temperature maps for 500 and 1500 m depths and

locations of boreholes within the petroleum
Development Oman concession area reveals that
the highest temperature is 174 C0. That was
observed in the northern part of Oman in the Omani
mountains.
 Wave/ Hydor energy

The wave energy in the world oceans

varies from approximately 10 kW/m
wavelength and up to approximately 100
kW/m.

The wave energy potential in the Arabian

Sea is among the lowest in the world and
it can be assumed that this energy
cannot contribute significantly to power
generation in Oman.

The PAEW is planning to direct some

research for the hydro energy of the Wadi
Dahqa Dam.
 Outline
1. Renewable Energy Statues in Oman

2. PAEW Completed and current studies

3. Facts, Opportunities and Barriers

4. Renewable Energy Strategic Research

Program and other TRC initiatives in
renewable energy

5. Institute of advance integrated technology

6. Oman Echo Houses design Competition

 PAEW Current Renewable Energy Strategies

Policy & Project

Strategy Implementation
Capacity Building
Human
1. Pilot Projects R&D Industrial Resources
(RAECO)
2. 100 200 MW
1. R.E 1. Row 1. University
1. Developing Desalination
material Programs
Solar Plant (Grid
Policy for Connected) 2. Hybrid extractions
R.E 2. Engineering
3. Wind Monitoring Solutions 2. Manufactur and O & M
developmen
Program then ing Skills
t Wind farm 3. Solar Cooling
3. Added
2. Regulatory value 3. Research &
4. Energy 4. Focused
review Conservation Development
research on services
specific
5. R.E Database
technologies 4. Utilities
experience

Benchmark/ Monitoring / Feedback

 Renewable Energy Proposed projects and
studies
1. Pilot Projects (5
projects( wind/solar) with an
expected installed capacity
of 0.5M-5MW)
2. A feasibility study for power
production by wind energy in
Dhofar: Masdar Future
Energy (Abu Dhabi)
3. Feasibility study to produce
power from solar energy with
capacity of 50-200 MW
Objectives( 50-200 MW ) in
Adam, Mannah, Ibri and AL
Khabourah.
1. A study to prepare general
policy for RE in Oman Wind
Resources Atlas study in
Oman
2. Preparing action plan to
establish plant for
monitoring data of solar
energy in Ibri.
3. Agreement to purchase
hybrid unit to produce
power using solar and wind
energy
4. Feasibility study to use solar
energy in Desalination
systems
5. General Policy for
Renewable Energy Strategy
6. Oman Wind Atlas
7. PV Roof-Top Program
11 Existing and planned renewable energy
projects in Oman

In December 1996, Ministry of Water resources (Currently Ministry of

Regional Municipality and Water resources) installed an experimental
10 kW wind turbine at Heelat ar Rakah camp for pumping the water.

Photovoltaic cells are used for powering street lights (limited places),
parking meters, cathodic protection system for oil pipelines and micro
wave and television transmitter stations.
12
Existing and planned renewable energy
projects in Oman (Cont.)

qThe wind farm at Harweel will have a capacity of 50 megawatts

q expected to begin operating early in 2017
qIt is being jointly developed by Rural Areas Electricity Company
(RAECO) and Masdar.
qConsist of up to 25 turbines (2MW - 3.2MW each) with $125
million estimated cost.
13 Renewable Energy in PDO
7 Megawatts

Enclosed Solar Trough steam generator for enhanced oil recovery (EOR)

-The Enclosed Trough steam generator protects the solar collectors

within an agricultural glasshouse, shielding the delicate components
from the dust, sand and humidity.
-7 Megawatts thermal Power Production
-Average of 50 tons of steam per day
-uses about 4 acres of land
-Robotic Washing System, recapturing around 90% of the wash water
 14
Renewable Energy in PDO
The 1,021- Megawatts (Miraah)

Enclosed Solar Trough steam generator for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), PDO, 2017
q Location: Amal, Oman
Status: Construction to begin in late 2015
q 6,000 tons of steam per day
q will save 5.6 trillion Btus of natural gas each year, the amount of gas that could
be used
to provide residential electricity to 209,000 people in Oman.
q will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 300,000 tons each year, equivalent of
taking
63,000 cars off the road.
q $600 million for the largest solar plant on the planet.
q GlassPoint is building the project in partnership with PDO
Source: http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/GlassPoint-is-Building-the-Worlds-Largest-Solar-Project-in-an-Omani-Oilfie
 Outline
1. Renewable Energy Statues in Oman

2. PAEW Completed and current studies

3. Facts, Opportunities and Barriers

4. Renewable Energy Strategic Research

Program and other TRC initiatives in
renewable energy

5. Institute of advance integrated technology

6. Oman Echo Houses design Competition

 FACTs

Electricity Capacity and Peak Load in Oman between 2004-2013

Ref: Authority for Electricity Regulation, 2011, Annual Report Online www.aer-oman.org/images/aer284.pdf
 FACTs
Omans Government Subsidies Omans government
for Power Generation subsidies for water

350 150 149

320.5
148
300
252.6 146
250
Million OR

144

Million OR
200 172.1 142
140
150 140

100 138

136
50

134
0
2011 2012 2013 2013 2014

Annual Book, Statistical and information center , 2014

PAEW annual report 2014
 PAEW + TRC

Renewable
energy r strategic
research

Barriers
program ?
Opportunities

Pilots

lations ?
ent Policies and regu
Positive investmoperty of efforts
e, strong pr Fragmentation
climat
rights

pa city
Not enough ca
RE resources
&Environment

Oil Prices
+G ood Industrial ???
Low tax regimes
Markets
 Outline
1. Renewable Energy Statues in Oman

2. PAEW Completed and current studies

3. Facts, Opportunities and Barriers

4. Renewable Energy Strategic Research Program

5. Other TRC initiatives in renewable energy

Institute of advance integrated technology

Oman Echo Houses design Competition

 Renewable Energy Strategic
Research Program

Scope
As aresultof these challenges, TRC has established
the Renewable Energy Research Strategy Program.
Consideredtobe a major step towards
unlockingthecountry's renewableenergy potential
andactivating energy-quality programsaswellas
amuch-neededboon tothenationaleconomy.

The program will maximize the benefits of advanced

research and promote cooperation among all
involved stockholders in this area.

The Sultanate can benefit in many ways, from the

capabilities and outcomes of the advanced
research.
 Renewable Energy Strategic
Research Program

Vision: Towards clean and sustainable energy

VISION & MISSION

Mission:
To conduct high quality scientific, experimental
research to seek and propose real solutions for
national challenges of renewable energy and energy
efficiency. These pilot researches will enhance the
capacity building, knowledge transfer and will
contribute in the comprehensive sustainable
development in Oman.
Objectives
1. Identify the most important areas of scientific research for Oman which
can contribute to experimental renewable energy research and
provide scientific solutions.
2. Support and conduct experimental pilot research projects in the
identified areas using the latest scientific solutions, information and
techniques.
3. Provide realistic scientific facts to decision makers on evidence-based
solutions, which will help in planning of formulating regulations and
policies.
4. Enhance capacity building in the field of renewable energies, program
development and creating a motivational research environment.
5. Increase the mutual cooperation and networking between academic
and industrial organizations, and maximize the benefit from
cooperation with various international organizations.
6. Develop a platform to host links to databases to provide all of the
required weather data, raw data, geographical data, reports and the
latest research outcomes.
7. Disseminate the outcomes of the program to stakeholder through
awareness activities.
Research Theme1
The use of renewable energies for
cooling and Air-conditioning
Oman is known for its hot climate and air-
conditioning is the most energy consuming
sources.
Air-conditioningdrains almost three quarters of
energy in the summer time. With the increase in
population and infrastructural expansion,
consumption figures increase steeply and hence
calls fora prompt action.
In addition to energy management, renewable-
energy-driven technologies stand out to be the
most viable alternative.

Source: AER, Oman 2013

 Research Theme2
The use of the renewable energies for water
desalination systems

Nationally, the demand for water is more than what is currently available from
renewable resources, and more that 50% of this demand is met with
desalinated water.
Water shortages are expected to contribute to increased energy problems,
and environmental considerations such as global warming will add other
significant pressures. Therefore, there is no realistic solution for a sustainable
water and energy future, without the substantial participation of renewables in
general and, in particular, solar.
Over the past ten years, there has been a considerable increase in the number
of desalination plants in Oman; all of which are based on conventional energy
resources. The higher the demand for water, the higher the demand for the
desalination plants, because of the decline in ground water levels and low
rainfalls in the country.

Source: PAEW Annual report 2014

 Research Theme 3
Energy Efficiency

Buildings are the major consumer of energy, worldwide.

In developing countries, such as Oman, the high energy
consumption in buildings is mainly attributed to the lack
of local energy standards and energy-efficiency
programs.
Latest report shows the residential and commercial
buildings consumed between 60 to 70% of electricity
produced in 2012, with the bulk of this used by air
conditioning systems.
The AER annual report has also indicated an increase of
31% and 63% in energy intensity for the residential and
commercial sectors between 2005 and 2012. The
increase in energy intensity and the continuous
electrical demand is substantial and considered
unsustainable, in the long run.
 Research Theme 4
Power Generating and Storage

In Oman, the electricity demand has increased from 2773 MW in

2007 to 5691 MW in 2014. While, in 2010 the annual growth rate was
17.8%, and peak demand is envisaged to continue increasing due
to the accelerated population and industrial growthin Oman.
The forecasted peak power demand in 2018 will be 6600 MW, and
shortages in electric energy are expected to occur in the near
future if current trends continue.
This situation indicates that a quick action must be taken to cover
the expected increase in the energy demand.
Research shows that renewable energy can play a major role in
electric energy production and storage in Oman. To achieve the
above objectives, research studies and applied experimental
research projects must be executed to explore energy generation
and storage using solar energy, wind energy, biomass, wave and
tide energy and geothermal energy.
 Development of Database
Platform & Dissemination Activities
The strategic research program aims to develop the local research
capacity, build knowledge transfer, value capture and provide an
enabling environment for research and innovation.
To support these objectives, the program will create a database
platform that will play a significant role in providing all required
weather, raw, and other geographical data as well as reports and the
latest research outcomes related to the renewable energy.
The program will also work to support all researchers and related
agencies to get the maximum advantages from the database
services.
The database will provide services to all those conducting research
and studies on renewable energy and energy efficiency in Oman.
The strategy is designed to disseminate the outcomes of the
conducted research for the decision makers in government and
private sectors. The outcomes of this program will also be
reported for public awareness.
 Process for Managing the
Research Proposals
1.Evaluation
Criteria
2.Eligibility criteria
3.Timing of Calls
for Proposals
4.Strategic
research grant
policy guideline
5. Mechanism of
implementation
s
6. Evaluation and
assessment of
project
7. Reporting and
research
outcomes
Research Collaboration

International
researcher

Business Local
partner researcher
 Expected Outcomes
1. Provide evidence-based solution to decision makers on
plans related to the energy sector.
2. Support and assess the concerned authorities to
develop the right polices and regulation which will
accelerate the investment on renewable energy
projects in Oman.
3. Capacity building of Omanis (minimum of 6 PhDs
scholarships and 8 MSc + other training programs)
4. Establish a platform to link to databases to provide all of
the required weather data, raw data, geographical
data, reports and the latest research outcomes.
5. Establish a renewable energy center with qualified
Omani capabilities in different fields of renewable
energy.
 Outline
1. Renewable Energy Statues in Oman

2. PAEW Completed and current studies

3. Facts, Opportunities and Barriers

4. Renewable Energy Strategic Research

Program

5. Other TRC initiatives in renewable energy

Institute of advance integrated technology

Oman Echo Houses design Competition

Institute of Advance Technology Integ

The Research Council and Helmholtz Association signed an

agreement in Berlin on October 2012 in which they reiterated their
plate Research Council and Helmholtz Association signed an
agreement in Berlin on October 2012 in which they reiterated their
plans to build a technology center. The Helmholtz Associations
main role will involve providing support to TRC by sharing its
extensive expertise in developing and running large-scale research
institutes, as well as in designing strategic Research Programs.
In addition, this rapid launch of projects in the fields of energy, water
resources and new extraction technologies is designed to create the
staffing, technical and structural basis for the development of the
institute. The Sultanate of Oman is planning to invest a three-digit
million figure in the long-term establishment of the institute.
Water Resources
Research at the new institute will focus on Three major theme:
Oil & Gas
Renewable Energy
Oman Eco-House Design Competition
Oman Eco-House Design Competition Phase 1
Aim:
Raising Awareness of the Possibilities and
Importance of Green Buildings and Eco-Design
in Oman

Omans architectural heritage dates back to the

13th and 14th centuries and is an expression of
our rich and vibrant culture as well as a source
of great pride.
Through research and innovation in
architecture, environment and renewable
energy the competition raises awareness of the
possibilities and importance of green building
and eco-design.
Competition buildings have a legacy that goes
Objectives: beyond their imposing beauty; the eco-friendly
construction methods used in them including
1.Promote a culture of research and innovation in high quality, cost-effective and cost-efficient
eco-buildingthe use
design of contributes
which compressed earth blocks
to sustainable and
social and mud development.
economic
2.Support creativity
mortar in higher
and education.
plaster; the water circulation
3.Encourage the translation of ideas into useful products.
systems and the use of shade.
4.Build national capacity, both individual and institutional (small and medium-sized
enterprises), in areas of sustainable development such as: alternative energy use: high
quality and eco-friendly material production.
5.Develop national policies to keep abreast of international trends.
6.Foster partnership ad co-operation between academia, commerce and industry and
government.
7.Capitalize on Omani heritage in urban planning and architecture.
Oman Eco Houses Design
Competition Phase 1
1. TRC approval 2010
2. Develop all rules and polices
3. Announce about the competition
(June 2011)
4. Announcement of selected 5
academic teams.
5. Conceptual design and planning
stage, workshop (Sep 2011-April
2012)
6. Assessment of the design stage
(May June 2012)
7. Building and Construction stage
(Dec 2012-Aug 2014)
8. Assessment of the construction
stage
Oman Eco Houses Design
Competition
9. Assessment of the construction stage, four
teams (Sustainable deign, Architecture design, Eng design and
awareness's and communication)

10.Completion of the construction and submit

the five houses to TRC (Oct 2014)
11.Testing/Commissioning and Measurement
stage (Nov-Dec 2014)
12.Final Results Announcement (Jan 2015)
 Oman Eco-House Competition Phase 2

Objectives:

1.Challenge the teams to validate the long-term

performance of the exciting ECHO houses
2.Introduce the five houses to the community, and take
important steps toward transforming the mainstream
housing market in Oman.
Thanks
ahmed.albusaidi@trc.gov.om
www.trc.gov.om