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Observer
27-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman ramps up investment in smart utility systems
MUSCAT: Oman's transition towards smart energy and water infrastructure is gathering pace, with leading public and private sector voices calling for stronger investments in digitalisation, AI and data-driven decision-making. These technologies, experts agree, are no longer optional — they are essential to meet the country's growing demand and sustainability goals. These insights were shared during Session 2: 'How to Fund the Next-Generation Smart Energy & Water Systems?' at the EU-Oman Energy & Water Collaboration Forum, held at Crowne Plaza OCEC on May 20–21, 2025. The forum, sponsored by Nama Group and the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project, was moderated by Said al Kamyani, Sustainability Specialist. Speaking at the session, Jamie Hoyzer, CEO of Siemens Oman, stressed that digital transformation is key to enabling Oman's energy transition. 'Oman's energy demand is expected to triple by 2050. Smart grids, AI and predictive systems aren't luxuries — they're critical infrastructure,' he said. He highlighted a successful local project in which Siemens used AI to optimise a chilled water plant's operations, achieving a guaranteed 36% reduction in energy use — validated through performance guarantees from a local bank. Bringing in a European perspective, Moisés Blanco Maceiras, Adviser to the Secretary-General for EU Funds at Spain's Ministry of Finance, explained how Spain has effectively deployed smart infrastructure at scale. 'We've rolled out more than 27 million smart electric metres and supported AI-enabled irrigation and citizen-centric utility platforms through layered financing — EU grants, public-private partnerships and national co-funding,' he noted. Blanco encouraged Oman to consider similar multi-source funding models to accelerate its smart infrastructure deployment. From the utility side, Issam al Ismaili, Chief Commercial Officer of Nama Water Services, shared how digital tools are already making an impact in Oman. 'We've deployed over 700,000 smart metres and reduced non-revenue water from over 40% to 37.1%, with a target of 33% by the end of this year,' he said. Smart metres are not only cutting losses, but also giving customers access to real-time consumption data, helping to promote conservation and engagement. Complementing this, Fahad al Harrasi, General Manager of ICT at Nama Water Services, emphasised the importance of enabling technologies and local talent. 'Smart infrastructure is more than hardware — it's a data ecosystem that supports long-term sustainability and creates jobs for Omanis,' he stated. He also noted Nama's successful public-private partnerships under a build-operate-transfer model, which are driving digital transformation in the sector. Speakers agreed that to sustain momentum, Oman must continue aligning its policies, financing tools and human capital strategies. AI integration, workforce development and stronger public-private collaboration emerged as the top priorities for scaling demand-side innovation in utilities.
Observer
25-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
EU eyes Oman for green energy and water investment push
MUSCAT: At the EU-Oman Energy & Water Collaboration Forum held in Muscat on May 20–21, 2025, senior European and Omani stakeholders highlighted Oman's growing appeal as a hub for green investment, particularly in the energy and water sectors. The forum, held at the Crowne Plaza OCEC and sponsored by Nama Group and the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition Project, drew attention to the Sultanate of Oman's strategic readiness for climate-aligned infrastructure partnerships. During a high-level session titled 'Attracting EU Investors to Oman's Growing Green Economy,' speakers detailed how Oman's geographic location, renewable resource wealth and regulatory initiatives are aligning with European Union sustainability objectives to create a fertile investment landscape. Andre Vreman, Chairman of Climate Neutral Real Estate, pointed to Oman's stable governance, abundant solar and wind potential; and proactive climate policy as decisive advantages. 'Oman's combination of stable governance, immense solar and wind resources; and progressive green policy creates a uniquely bankable environment for EU investors,' he said, adding that financial tools such as green bonds and sustainability-linked loans could significantly enhance investor participation. Echoing this sentiment, Jorge Malleu, General Manager of 4Fores Engineering, emphasised the convergence between Oman Vision 2040 and EU climate targets. He cited growing interest from European engineering and finance firms in public-private partnerships and project-financed models. 'There's clear alignment between EU sustainability targets and Oman Vision 2040,' he noted. 'But unlocking serious capital requires regulatory clarity and off-take agreements that reduce uncertainty for investors.' The forum also highlighted Oman's progress in green hydrogen development. Rumaitha al Busaidi, Business & ICV Development Manager at Hydrom, showcased how the government-backed entity is de-risking the hydrogen value chain through structured auctions, construction milestones and partnerships aimed at manufacturing electrolysers and localising supply chains. 'Our model integrates risk-sharing, local content and global cooperation to build a resilient hydrogen economy,' she said. On the utilities side, Dr Ahmed Zayed Khalifah al Shaqsi, General Manager of Strategy, ESG & Performance at Nama Electricity Distribution, discussed the company's efforts to incorporate ESG principles across operations. Initiatives include reducing grid losses, increasing energy efficiency and piloting community-based renewable energy projects. 'We are embedding ESG in every layer of our operations and will soon publish our first ESG disclosure report,' Dr Al Shaqsi revealed. Moderated by sustainability specialist Said al Kamyani, the session closed with a clear message: Oman is rapidly positioning itself as a regional leader in green infrastructure, attracting serious interest from European investors across renewable energy, hydrogen and sustainable utilities. Speakers called for deeper EU-Oman collaboration, stronger policy frameworks and clearer mechanisms for de-risking investment through off-take agreements and regulatory consistency.
