Latest news with #EnergyandMinerals
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman's first renewable energy storage project imminent
MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is making significant efforts to implement green energy projects, as "Oman Vision 2040" aims for these projects to contribute nearly 30 per cent of the country's total electricity generation by 2030. Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, revealed that five to six new renewable energy projects — focused on wind and solar power — will commence this year, with particular emphasis on wind energy due to Oman's strong potential in this sector. Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals Al Aufi noted that these projects will be located in various sites where wind energy has been measured, mostly in the Al Wusta and Dhofar governorates. They are expected to begin production by the end of 2027, generating over 2,000 megawatts. He affirmed that the Ministry of Energy and Minerals is collaborating with its partners in Nama Group and the Authority for Public Services Regulation to explore the best methods for storing renewable energy, whether through conventional or innovative approaches applicable in Oman. He also confirmed that an announcement regarding Oman's first renewable energy storage project will be made soon. The minister added that these projects will strengthen Oman's transition to renewable energy while creating vast opportunities for industries reliant on clean and sustainable power. He highlighted that Oman has already launched the "Manah 1" and "Manah 2" renewable energy plants, with a combined capacity of around 1,000 megawatts. Initial results indicate that each plant is producing over 500 megawatts, exceeding expectations. Furthermore, he explained that the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology; and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) are working to establish a hydrogen pathway by setting up production and supply stations within concession areas. This initiative aims to use hydrogen as fuel for trucks operating between these zones. — ONA
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman to launch its first renewable energy storage project
Muscat – Oman will soon announce its first renewable energy storage project as part of ongoing efforts to expand clean energy capacity and reduce dependence on conventional power sources. H E Salem bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, has confirmed that five to six new wind and solar projects are scheduled to begin this year, with particular focus on wind power due to the sultanate's strong potential in this area. These projects are expected to begin generating more than 2,000MW of electricity by the end of 2027. A majority of the wind projects will be located in Al Wusta and Dhofar, where long-term wind measurements have confirmed viable generation capacity. 'Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) is working with Nama Group and the Authority for Public Services Regulation to identify the most suitable solutions for energy storage, whether through conventional or emerging technologies,' H E Aufi said. 'The first storage project will be announced soon.' H E Salem bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals He added that the projects support Oman's energy transition strategy and create opportunities to develop industries powered by clean energy. Oman Vision 2040 targets renewable energy to make up around 30% of the country's total electricity generation by 2030. In line with this, the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar plants have been launched, with a combined capacity of approximately 1,000MW. MEM is also working in coordination with Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and Petroleum Development Oman to establish a hydrogen corridor. The initiative aims to set up hydrogen production and supply stations in concession areas, enabling the fuelling of trucks operating between these.
Observer
19-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
HR forum empowers Oman's energy workforce
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has launched the inaugural Energy Sector Human Resources Forum, held under the auspices of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. Taking place from May 19–20, 2025, at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, the forum aims to reshape human capital development in the energy sector in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. DRIVING TRANSFORMATION THROUGH HUMAN CAPITAL Bringing together executive leaders, HR professionals, academics, and policymakers, the forum underscores the urgency of building an agile, future-ready workforce amid rapid changes in the global energy landscape. The event highlights Oman's efforts to promote economic diversification and empower its national workforce. In his opening speech, Eng Salim al Aufi emphasised the forum's role in fostering collaborative thinking and policy innovation. He stressed that empowering Omani talent, enhancing workplace well-being, and nurturing supportive environments are vital to boosting institutional performance and national competitiveness. He called on participants to reimagine HR strategies, strengthen academia-industry ties, and advance public-private cooperation. Held under the theme 'Strategic Human Resources in the Energy Sector,' the forum tackled four priority areas: 1. Leadership Resilience in navigating economic and technological disruption. 2. Innovative Omanization, bridging the gap between education and employment. 3. Future Skills, focusing on digital transformation and workforce upskilling. 4. Mental Health & Safety, promoting stability and productivity at work. The first day featured four interactive workshops facilitated by industry experts. These sessions encouraged participants to propose practical, actionable solutions to HR challenges, which will be reviewed for integration into sector-wide policies. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY DIALOGUE A CEO panel headlined the first day, offering insights into labour market shifts, talent retention, and the impact of digitalisation on leadership models. On the second day, the forum hosted an academic session titled 'Integration of Knowledge and Energy', featuring top university leaders from Sultan Qaboos University, the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and the German University of Technology in Oman. The session focused on aligning academic curricula with industry needs and fostering R&D partnerships to support energy innovation. Participants also joined expert-led knowledge exchange sessions exploring practical solutions to the forum's key themes. Attendees were awarded participation certificates, reinforcing the forum's emphasis on engagement and learning. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND AGREEMENTS The forum also served as a platform for signing several high-impact agreements and MoUs aimed at advancing workforce development and sector innovation. Highlights included: PDO & SMEDA: Supporting SMEs in the solar energy sector through the Ishraq Programme. PDO, Oman LNG & Sur LNG: Enhancing talent mobility through a joint MoU on talent acquisition PDO & Takatuf: Providing advanced human capital services. Shell & Takatuf Petrofac Oman (TPO): Launching training programs for technical operators. OPAL & Oman Energy Institute: Developing clean energy training programmes. OPAL & TPO Centte: Expanding vocational training opportunities. MEM & Rihal: Creating a digital dashboard to monitor rig and jack-up contracts for greater transparency. A PLATFORM FOR SUSTAINABLE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The forum concluded with a commitment to transforming dialogue into action. Recommendations and insights generated during the event will be submitted to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to inform future policies and initiatives. As a cornerstone initiative, the Energy Sector Human Resources Forum marks the beginning of a structured, long-term approach to building a resilient, skilled, and competitive national workforce—paving the way for a more integrated, innovative, and sustainable energy future in Oman.
Muscat Daily
18-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman LNG signs LNG Optimization Agreement with Vitol Asia
Muscat – Under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Oman LNG is pleased to announce the signing with Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd. to optimize Oman LNG's LNG supply portfolio, marking another significant step in strengthening its global partnerships. The agreement, commencing in 2026, entails optimizing up to 0.8 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with Vitol on a Delivered Ex-Ship (DES) basis. This collaboration builds upon Oman LNG's strategic portfolio and leverages the flexibility from its DES commitments, particularly aligning with evolving market demands. Mr. Hamed al Naamany, Chief Executive Officer of Oman LNG, commented, 'This agreement with Vitol reflects our agility and continuous adaptation to market dynamics. We are pleased to see continued positive market response to Oman's strategy in gas and LNG. Vitol is a key portfolio trader and a trusted partner, and we are pleased to extend our cooperation through this deal which supports our long-term growth and value delivery.' Mr. Mahmoud al Baloushi, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman LNG, added, 'This optimization agreement with Vitol is a testament to our proactive commercial strategy, enhancing our portfolio's adaptability and responsiveness to global market shifts. It allows us to further capitalize on our established reputation and experience to unlock new value.' The signing ceremony for the agreement was held in Muscat, reflecting the continued support of the Omani government in advancing the nation's strategic energy objectives.
Observer
18-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman LNG signs LNG optimisation pact with Vitol Asia
BUSINESS REPORTER MUSCAT, MAY 18 Under the auspices of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Oman LNG signed an agreement with Vitol Asia Pte. Ltd to optimize Oman LNG's LNG supply portfolio, marking another significant step in strengthening its global partnerships. The agreement, commencing in 2026, entails optimizing up to 0.8 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) with Vitol on a Delivered Ex-Ship (DES) basis. This collaboration builds upon Oman LNG's strategic portfolio and leverages the flexibility from its DES commitments, particularly aligning with evolving market demands. Hamed al Naamany, Chief Executive Officer of Oman LNG, commented, 'This agreement with Vitol reflects our agility and continuous adaptation to market dynamics. We are pleased to see continued positive market response to Oman's strategy in gas and LNG. Vitol is a key portfolio trader and a trusted partner, and we are pleased to extend our cooperation through this deal which supports our long-term growth and value delivery.' Mahmoud al Baloushi, Chief Commercial Officer of Oman LNG, added: 'This optimization agreement with Vitol is a testament to our proactive commercial strategy, enhancing our portfolio's adaptability and responsiveness to global market shifts. It allows us to further capitalize on our established reputation and experience to unlock new value.' The signing ceremony for the agreement was held in Muscat, reflecting the continued support of the Omani government in advancing the nation's strategic energy objectives.
