Latest news with #AlAbri
Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Nama PWP scales up renewable projects in Oman
MUSCAT: In a clear sign of Oman's intensifying push towards a sustainable energy future, Nama Power and Water Procurement (Nama PWP) — the sole procurer of capacity and offtaker of output — has announced sweeping developments in solar and wind energy, underscoring its role as a key catalyst in the Sultanate of Oman's clean energy transformation. The company revealed its progress during Nama Group's annual press conference held on May 27, 2025, which brought together electricity companies under the group to outline strategic milestones and future initiatives in line with Oman Vision 2040. Nama PWP, in particular, emerged as a leading force, spearheading several renewable energy tenders and studies crucial to Oman's long-term decarbonisation goals. Nama PWP launched tenders for two large-scale solar power projects in 2024: the 500 MW Ibri III Solar IPP and the 280 MW Al Kamil Solar IPP. Both projects are scheduled for award in 2025, with commercial operation dates (COD) set for Q4 2027 and Q2 2028 respectively. In parallel, the Manah I and Manah II Solar IPPs reached significant milestones, with the latter completing acceptance testing four months ahead of schedule. These solar initiatives are complemented by a growing wind energy portfolio, with five projects progressing through qualification and two already at the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. Ahmed bin Salim al Abri, CEO of Nama PWP. 'Nama Power and Water Procurement is responsible for planning the future capacities required for electricity and water production and for launching tenders for Independent Power and Water Projects (IPPs and IWPs) under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model by the private sector. This approach supports meeting the growing demand and enhances energy and water security in the Sultanate of Oman,' said Ahmed bin Salim al Abri, CEO of Nama PWP. The company also concluded a landmark 'Optimum Energy Mix and Storage Options' study that affirmed the feasibility of achieving Oman's renewable energy targets through a diversified generation mix. Al Abri emphasised that energy storage will be pivotal in this transition. Additional studies included a review of the Bulk Supply Tariff framework and an initial Demand Response Study aimed at assessing demand-side flexibility, particularly from large consumers — setting the stage for pilot trials in 2025. 'We are proud to be at the forefront of the national transition to renewable energy, leading landmark projects such as the wind power project in Dhofar and the solar power initiatives in Ibri and Manah. These projects contribute over 1,500 MW of contracted capacity, representing 17% of the total from renewable sources. Our ambition is to raise this share to 65% by 2030, with anticipated investments exceeding RO 1 billion, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the Sultanate of Oman's broader sustainability goals,' Al Abri added. As the Sultanate of Oman's sole procurer of electricity and water desalination projects, Nama PWP plays a strategic role in ensuring the availability of production capacity at the lowest economic cost. Its activities not only reinforce investor confidence in the utilities sector but also help position Oman as a viable and attractive destination for clean energy investment.
Observer
18-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
7 bidders qualified for RO 880m Misfah and Duqm IPPs
Muscat: Nama Power and Water Procurement (PWP), the exclusive procurer of power and water in the Sultanate of Oman, has named seven qualified applicants to participate in a tender for the development of two major Independent Power Projects (IPPs) – Misfah IPP and Duqm IPP – which represent a significant step in securing the Sultanate of Oman's future energy needs. Total investment in the IPPs, with a combined generation capacity of 2400 MW, is estimated at RO 880 million. A total of 12 Statements of Qualification were received from international companies. Following a thorough evaluation process, 7 applicants have been successfully qualified to participate in the upcoming tender. They are: ACWA Power Company, Korea Western Power Co Ltd, Marubeni Corporation, Nebras Power, Sembcorp, Utilities Pte, Shenzhen Energy Group, and Sumitomo Corporation. These qualified bidders come from a variety of countries, notablyKSA, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, India, South Korea, Japan, Qatar, Singapore and China. Ahmed bin Salim bin Mohammed al Abri, CEO of Nama Power and Water Procurement, stated:'The announcement of Misfah and Duqm Independent Power Projects marks a key milestone in advancing the Sultanate of Oman's energy infrastructure. These strategic projects will significantly enhance the reliability and security of electricity supply in Muscat and Al Wusta Governorates, supporting the growing demand for power and contributing to economic development in Sultanate of Oman. The strong interest from globally recognized developers reflects international confidence in Sultanate of Oman's energy sector and Nama PWP's transparent and competitive procurement framework. These projects also reaffirm our commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient power solutions,' Al Abri added.
Observer
16-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman to advance key power, water schemes in 2025
MUSCAT: Beyond its commitment to procuring new renewables-based capacity in line with nationally-mandated targets, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) — the sole procurer of capacity and offtaker of output — is embarking on a number of initiatives during 2025, aimed as reinforcing the security, efficiency and reliability of electricity and potable water supply over the long term. PWP Chief Executive Officer Ahmed bin Salim al Abri said the initiatives seek to build on a 'year of successful achievements' in 2024, designed to support sustainable energy development, centring primarily on renewable energy resources. 'Following Oman Vision 2040 and the Renewable energy target set for 2030 and 2040, PWP is continuing to accelerate diversifying its energy generation portfolio and develop renewable energy projects,' Al Abri said. 'PWP focuses on diversifying renewable energy resources by optimising the availability of natural resources and a commitment towards sustainability. The favourable economic costs of wind and solar PV technologies drive renewable project development. The year 2024 has been marked by a significant number of renewable energy projects being tendered, completed, or commencing acceptance testing,' he added in a foreword to PWP's 2024 Annual Report. Key among the portfolio of initiatives lined up for advancement in 2025 is the Optimum Energy Mix and Energy Storage Options Study. The strategic study, undertaken in coordination with a number of stakeholders, has modelled and analysed scenarios relating to the transition path for Oman's generation mix till 2040, with a particular focus on the transition from today's predominantly gas-based system to a mixed system. 'The study confirmed that the targets set in Oman Vision 2040, by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, are achievable while meeting the economic purchase obligation. The energy storage technologies will play an important role to provide ancillary services to the grid with higher penetration of renewable,' the CEO noted. Ahmed bin Salim al Abri - Nama PWP CEO Also on PWP's list of priorities for 2025 is the completion of a key Demand Response Study. Stage 1 of this strategic study explored the potential of the demand response role as part of the system dynamics, with a particular focus on large customers and their contribution to system demand. The study explored different models that potentially applicable to Oman's system. Following the completion of the first stage, Stage 2 is proposed to be initiated in 2025 with a focus more on the trial and modelling of some customers' behaviour (proof of concept) and setting up the structure to implement the demand response widely in the system. Likewise, Oman's groundbreaking Electricity Spot Market, which went live in January 2022, will be the subject of another annual review in 2025 per Market Rules. Audits for 2023 and 2024 were successfully conducted, with the Market Management System achieving 100 per cent availability throughout 2024. 'Moreover, the market has effectively integrated the registration of the new Pool Based Power Contract plants contracted in 2024, including Al Rusail Power Company SAOC (Al Rusail IPP), Manah Power Company SAOC (Manah IPP) and Sembcorp Jinko Shine Company SAOC (Manah 2 solar IPP),' said the CEO in his foreword. However, PWP's primary focus during 2025 will continue to remain on the procurement of renewable energy and water projects. Topping the list is the 500 MW solar PV Independent Power Project (IPP) planned in Ibri — also known as Ibri-III Solar — with an investment of RO 155 million. An award is anticipated this year. Other power and water schemes that will make headway in their delivery are: the 280MW solar PV project at Al Kamil in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate; the award of new contracts for existing generators with Water Purchase Agreements (WPAs) expiring in 2027 (also known as Water 2027); the release of RfPs for Power and Water 2028-2029 project, with a plan to award a contract this year; and the release of the RfQ and RfP for the Water 2030 project. Furthermore, awards for all five wind projects currently under procurement with a combined investment of around RO 500 million are anticipated in 2025. The five Wind IPPs are planned at: Jaalan Bani bu Ali (91-105 MW), Duqm (234-270 MW), Mahout Wind I (342-400 MW), Dhofar Wind II IPP (114-132 MW) and Sadah (81- 99 MW). They are slated for commercial operation by 2027.
Al Etihad
12-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department lab discovers and registers new global narcotic substance
12 May 2025 13:00 ABU DHABI (WAM) The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) chemistry laboratory at the Centre for Forensic and Electronic Sciences has discovered a new, previously internationally undocumented narcotic substance and officially registered it in the global database. This significant scientific milestone reflects the UAE's leading position in forensic science, and its proactive role in detecting synthetic narcotics. Using the latest scientific laboratory techniques, the chemical laboratory successfully identified a narcotic substance belonging to the "synthetic cannabinoid" category, named (ADB-4C-MDMB-BINACA). The substance was registered in the international database in the Netherlands under the name of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department laboratory, making it the first entity worldwide to document this substance. Counselor Yousef Saeed Al Abri, Undersecretary of ADJD, emphasised that this discovery builds on previous achievements by the chemistry laboratory, which had earlier identified another narcotic substance belonging to the same class of synthetic cannabis. He commended the laboratory team for their advanced preparedness, high efficiency and technical expertise, underscoring their pioneering contributions to public safety and scientific progress. The undersecretary of ADJD further explained that the discovery would contribute to international efforts to combat drug abuse and enhance community safety. He also pointed to the fruitful cooperation with the Forensic Science Research and Education Institute (CFSRE) in the United States, one of the world's centres specialising in identifying synthetic drugs, to verify the substance's properties before issuing the relevant scientific paper and publishing it on the Centre's official website. Counsellor Al Abri concluded by affirming that this scientific documentation is evidence of the accuracy of the analyses and the quality of the research work in the chemistry lab, and strengthens its position as a reference scientific centre at the regional and global levels in the field of laboratory testing and forensic analysis, not only in terms of technology, but also as an effective contributor to combat drugs.
Observer
19-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman committed to developing aviation infrastructure: CAA
The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and several entities involved in the security and operational aspects of the aviation sector, participated in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) High-Level Conference on Air Transport Facilitation (FALC 2025), held in Doha, from April 14 to 17, 2025, under the theme "Facilitating the Future of Air Transport: Cooperation, Efficiency, and Inclusiveness." The conference that saw the participation of 190 countries, more than 120 senior officials and ministers of transport and civil aviation, along with representatives of ICAO Member States and relevant international organizations and bodies, discussed key topics, such as simplifying travel procedures, enhancing integration among stakeholders, innovation in facilitation, and the use of artificial intelligence to improve the passenger experience. It also highlighted the issues of refugees and passengers with disabilities, combating human trafficking, and other related topics. CAA participated in the ministerial segment held on the final day, where Eng. Nayef bin Ali Al-Abri, Chairman, CAA, delivered the Sultanate of Oman's speech, in which he affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman will continue its prominent role in enhancing air safety and aviation security, providing best practices for air transport facilitation, and developing the aviation sector in the region and the world. He said, "We affirm and support the sound recommendations resulting from the discussions, which chart a clear path for the future of aviation facilitation and lay solid foundations for keeping pace with international transformations in this vital field." He also noted in his speech that the Sultanate of Oman continues its efforts to improve and develop its aviation infrastructure and adopt global best practices. It is also committed to providing safe, efficient, and seamless services and looks forward to adopting future solutions that contribute to achieving sustainability and enhancing cooperation among all stakeholders in the aviation industry. He emphasized the active role played by the Sultanate of Oman and its international efforts to enhance aviation security. He commended Oman's hosting of ICAO Security Week 2024, during which the "Muscat Declaration" was issued, a prominent international event that embodies the close cooperation among ICAO Member States and reflects the collective commitment to enhancing aviation security globally. Al Abri commended the efforts of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Qatar in organizing this important conference, which serves as an international platform for strategic dialogue between decision-makers and experts on aviation facilitation issues and the importance of joint coordination to address future challenges in the aviation industry. This conference constitutes a strategic platform for exchanging experiences and insights on future policies to facilitate air transport, including simplifying travel procedures, enhancing integration between national and international entities, and adopting innovation and artificial intelligence to facilitate the movement of passengers and cargo and improve the passenger experience. The conference also highlighted the issues of refugees and passengers with disabilities, combating human trafficking, and other related topics.
