Latest news with #AlShidhani
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman unveils initiatives to cut water loss to 10% by 2036
MUSCAT: Nama Water Services (NWS), the state-owned integrated water and wastewater utility of the Sultanate of Oman, has outlined an array of initiatives to dramatically slash potable water losses, currently accounting for around 40 per cent of the country's total water production. The list includes capital outlays towards replacing old leak-prone water networks, deployment of technologies to detect water leaks, and the rollout of smart metering systems at the consumers' end. The announcement was made during an Executive Panel Discussion held on Monday, April 7, 2025 as part of Oman Water Week 2025 underway at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muscat. Water losses – also known as Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and encompassing both technical and commercial water losses – cost tens of millions of Omani rials in lost revenues annually for Nama Water Services. A host of factors are at fault, notably leaks in buried pipeline networks, faulty meters, and billing errors, among other reasons. Of total water production of 444.44 million m3 in 2022, non-revenue water (NRW) amounted to 180.7 million m3, representing a significant 40.7 per cent share. Following the implementation of rigorous measures to curb losses, the NRW share dipped to 39.6 per cent in 2023. In volume terms, this figure corresponds to 177.79 million m3, according to Nama Water. Speaking at the forum, Eng Saud al Shidhani, Director General – Water & Wastewater Regulation, Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), said the regulator was working with various stakeholders to help cut back water losses to 10 per cent by 2036. Aiding this strategic effort is the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, he said. While acknowledging the magnitude of the problem, Al Shidhani lauded modest successes delivered by Nama Water (as well as Nama Dhofar Services covering Dhofar Governorate) in paring water losses in recent years. He attributed these successes to a regimen of incentives and targets set by the regulator for the operators concerned. According to Eng Ibrahim al Harthi, Chief Planning and Asset Management Officer – Nama Water Services, the water sector has delivered loss reduction gains averaging 9 per cent annually over the last four years. 'We work closely with our regulator, who monitors our annual targets for water loss reduction. We submit periodic reports to keep them updated on our progress,' the official said. 'We've already secured funding for a comprehensive infrastructure replacement programme focused on reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW). Additionally, we are deploying a range of advanced technologies—including satellite imaging, drones, and AI software—to detect leaks more effectively. We have also rolled out an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) project for commercial users.' The utility's aggressive water loss reduction goals are driven by the high cost and value of desalinated water, the official noted. 'That forms the business case for sustained investment. However, it's important to note that this challenge cannot be solved in a single year,' he added. Oman Water Week 2025, organised by Raya Services, is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
08-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman unveils initiatives to cut water loss to 10 per cent by 2036
MUSCAT, APRIL 8 Nama Water Services (NWS), the state-owned integrated water and wastewater utility of the Sultanate of Oman, has outlined an array of initiatives to dramatically slash potable water losses, currently accounting for around 40 per cent of the country's total water production. The list includes capital outlays towards replacing old leak-prone water networks, deployment of technologies to detect water leaks, and the rollout of smart metering systems at the consumers' end. The announcement was made during an Executive Panel Discussion held on Monday, April 7, 2025 as part of Oman Water Week 2025 underway at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, Muscat. Water losses – also known as Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and encompassing both technical and commercial water losses – cost tens of millions of Omani rials in lost revenues annually for Nama Water Services. A host of factors are at fault, notably leaks in buried pipeline networks, faulty meters, and billing errors, among other reasons. Of total water production of 444.44 million m3 in 2022, non-revenue water (NRW) amounted to 180.7 million m3, representing a significant 40.7 per cent share. Following the implementation of rigorous measures to curb losses, the NRW share dipped to 39.6 per cent in 2023. In volume terms, this figure corresponds to 177.79 million m3, according to Nama Water. Speaking at the forum, Eng Saud al Shidhani, Director General – Water & Wastewater Regulation, Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), said the regulator was working with various stakeholders to help cut back water losses to 10 per cent by 2036. Aiding this strategic effort is the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, he said. While acknowledging the magnitude of the problem, Al Shidhani lauded modest successes delivered by Nama Water (as well as Nama Dhofar Services covering Dhofar Governorate) in paring water losses in recent years. He attributed these successes to a regimen of incentives and targets set by the regulator for the operators concerned. According to Eng Ibrahim al Harthi, Chief Planning and Asset Management Officer – Nama Water Services, the water sector has delivered loss reduction gains averaging 9 per cent annually over the last four years. 'We work closely with our regulator, who monitors our annual targets for water loss reduction. We submit periodic reports to keep them updated on our progress,' the official said. 'We've already secured funding for a comprehensive infrastructure replacement programme focused on reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW). Additionally, we are deploying a range of advanced technologies—including satellite imaging, drones, and AI software—to detect leaks more effectively. We have also rolled out an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) project for commercial users.' The utility's aggressive water loss reduction goals are driven by the high cost and value of desalinated water, the official noted. 'That forms the business case for sustained investment. However, it's important to note that this challenge cannot be solved in a single year,' he added. Oman Water Week 2025, organised by Raya Services, is being held under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
Times of Oman
04-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in Global AI Summit in Rwanda
Kigali: The Sultanate of Oman took part in the Global AI Summit on Africa 2025, held in Kigali, Republic of Rwanda, under the theme of "AI and Africa's Demographic Dividend: Reimagining Economic Opportunities for Africa's Workforce". The two-day event, which kicked off today, was aimed to discuss the latest developments, innovations and technologies in the field of artificial intelligence and exchange knowledge and expertise with other countries. It offered an opportunity to showcase investment opportunities in the Sultanate of Oman in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and enhance cooperation with international companies. The Sultanate of Oman's delegation to the summit was led by Dr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology. The delegation included ministry officials and representatives of Omani technology companies like ITCHA Group, Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel) and Oman Data Park. The summit brought together more than 1,000 participants from 95 countries, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors and representatives of more than 100 AI companies. The overall objective was to accelerate AI innovation and align strategic policies in a manner that enhances Africa's AI capabilities and achieve competitiveness and inclusive growth. The summit saw the launch of the Africa AI Council, which will lead the development of the continent's AI ambitions. It also included panel discussions and workshops and showcased the products of more than 100 promising AI companies in Africa. The summit also featured discussions on how to harness AI with the purpose of encouraging innovation and boosting the skills of Africa's workforce. On the sidelines of the summit, Al Shidhani conferred with Paula Ingabire, Minister of Communications, Information Technology and Innovation of Rwanda. The meeting discussed ways of expanding cooperation between the two sides in the field of ICT and explored Rwanda's experience in digital transition.
Zawya
03-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman eyes green hydrogen leadership with strategic investments
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is positioning itself as a global leader in the emerging green hydrogen sector, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources to drive economic growth and energy transition. Eng Abdulaziz al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrom, emphasised that Oman's ambition is underpinned by strategic planning, regulatory frameworks, and large-scale investments in hydrogen infrastructure. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daleel Petroleum, Al Shidhani explained that hydrogen, though a single chemical element, is categorised based on its production method and associated carbon emissions. 'Hydrogen is hydrogen—there is no specific color. The classifications arise from the emissions generated during production and the source of energy used,' he clarified. Currently, Oman primarily produces hydrogen from natural gas, a method that results in carbon emissions. However, the country is actively exploring blue and green hydrogen production to align with its decarbonisation goals. 'In Oman, we still do not have a blue hydrogen project, but we are working towards that transition,' he said. Green hydrogen, which is produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, is the ultimate objective for Oman. Al Shidhani highlighted that the nation's natural advantages, including vast solar and wind resources, provide a competitive edge. 'Many countries have wind, but not all have abundant solar energy. This combination allows us to minimize energy storage costs and ensure consistent production,' he noted. Oman has allocated 50,000 square kilometres of land for hydrogen projects, ensuring both domestic supply and export opportunities. With eight projects already signed, the country is targeting a total capacity of 35 gigawatts, equivalent to 40 million solar panels. 'This scale of development creates an opportunity for Oman to localise manufacturing for solar panels and wind turbines, fostering new industries and supply chains,' Al Shidhani stated. The government's approach has been to create a favorable regulatory environment while allowing the private sector—both local and international—to drive investment. 'The government does not intend to invest directly in this sector at this stage due to its innovative nature and inherent risks. Instead, we focus on policy-making, legislation, and facilitation to attract investors,' he explained. Despite the ambitious vision, Al Shidhani acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in technological development and cost reduction. 'Two-thirds of the cost of green hydrogen production comes from renewable energy infrastructure. While technology is improving, it will take time for production costs to decline significantly,' he said. Oman's commitment to hydrogen is driven by both necessity and opportunity. With the nation targeting a 5% annual GDP growth under Oman Vision 2040, energy security and sustainability are crucial considerations. 'We need energy to sustain economic growth. While gas reserves support current needs, we must plan for the future by integrating renewable energy and hydrogen solutions,' he remarked. As global demand for clean hydrogen rises, Oman's early investments in infrastructure and regulatory frameworks position it as a key supplier in the international market. 'We have a great opportunity to become a hydrogen-exporting hub, capitalising on our strategic location and resources,' Al Shidhani concluded. With strong policies, investment incentives, and renewable energy potential, Oman is well on its way to becoming a significant player in the global hydrogen economy, setting the stage for a sustainable and diversified energy future. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
02-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman eyes green hydrogen leadership with strategic investments
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is positioning itself as a global leader in the emerging green hydrogen sector, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources to drive economic growth and energy transition. Eng Abdulaziz al Shidhani, Managing Director of Hydrom, emphasised that Oman's ambition is underpinned by strategic planning, regulatory frameworks, and large-scale investments in hydrogen infrastructure. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daleel Petroleum, Al Shidhani explained that hydrogen, though a single chemical element, is categorised based on its production method and associated carbon emissions. 'Hydrogen is hydrogen—there is no specific color. The classifications arise from the emissions generated during production and the source of energy used,' he clarified. Currently, Oman primarily produces hydrogen from natural gas, a method that results in carbon emissions. However, the country is actively exploring blue and green hydrogen production to align with its decarbonisation goals. 'In Oman, we still do not have a blue hydrogen project, but we are working towards that transition,' he said. Green hydrogen, which is produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, is the ultimate objective for Oman. Al Shidhani highlighted that the nation's natural advantages, including vast solar and wind resources, provide a competitive edge. 'Many countries have wind, but not all have abundant solar energy. This combination allows us to minimize energy storage costs and ensure consistent production,' he noted. Oman has allocated 50,000 square kilometres of land for hydrogen projects, ensuring both domestic supply and export opportunities. With eight projects already signed, the country is targeting a total capacity of 35 gigawatts, equivalent to 40 million solar panels. 'This scale of development creates an opportunity for Oman to localise manufacturing for solar panels and wind turbines, fostering new industries and supply chains,' Al Shidhani stated. The government's approach has been to create a favorable regulatory environment while allowing the private sector—both local and international—to drive investment. 'The government does not intend to invest directly in this sector at this stage due to its innovative nature and inherent risks. Instead, we focus on policy-making, legislation, and facilitation to attract investors,' he explained. Despite the ambitious vision, Al Shidhani acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in technological development and cost reduction. 'Two-thirds of the cost of green hydrogen production comes from renewable energy infrastructure. While technology is improving, it will take time for production costs to decline significantly,' he said. Oman's commitment to hydrogen is driven by both necessity and opportunity. With the nation targeting a 5% annual GDP growth under Oman Vision 2040, energy security and sustainability are crucial considerations. 'We need energy to sustain economic growth. While gas reserves support current needs, we must plan for the future by integrating renewable energy and hydrogen solutions,' he remarked. As global demand for clean hydrogen rises, Oman's early investments in infrastructure and regulatory frameworks position it as a key supplier in the international market. 'We have a great opportunity to become a hydrogen-exporting hub, capitalising on our strategic location and resources,' Al Shidhani concluded. With strong policies, investment incentives, and renewable energy potential, Oman is well on its way to becoming a significant player in the global hydrogen economy, setting the stage for a sustainable and diversified energy future.
