Latest news with #OccidentalOman
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's power demand set to surge
As many as 15 major private sector-led industrial and commercial projects will be plugged into Oman's national grid over the next two years, bolstering electricity demand by nearly 2,000 megawatts (MW) and driving a new phase of national economic growth. In its annual report published last week, the Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), the majority state-owned grid operator, said the projects are distributed across the industrial, mineral processing, data center processing, water desalination, and oil and gas segments of the country's economy. Topping the list, by power demand size, is the $1.35 billion polysilicon production plant of United Solar Polysilicon (USP), which is currently in an advanced stage of development at Sohar Freezone. With maximum power demand estimated at 800 MW, the USP project will be the largest to be connected to the grid via a 400/220kV grid station during 2025, OETC said. Also notable are two major data hubs, each with a power demand of 200 MW, which will be connected to the grid this year. Salalah-based Green Data City, which operates the country's first license for sustainable crypto-mining, will be connected to the 132kV Ashoor grid station with installed capacity of 200 MW in 2025. In the second phase, the hub will be expanded to reach 400MW hyperscale data centre capacity. In 2027, the oilfield operations of Occidental of Oman (Oxy) will be connected to the grid, starting with planned hookups to the 132kV Wadi Latham grid station with installed capacity of 120 MW, followed by another connection to the 132kV Safah grid station with installed capacity of 65 MW. Sohar Freezone, a major hub for heavy industry, will witness a number of linkages to the national grid during the course of this year. JA Solar, which is establishing a major solar PV module plant with an investment of 217.3 million Omani rials, will be connected to the SFZ grid station in 2025 with an installed capacity of 88 MW, according to OETC. Sanvera Carbon's prebaked anode production facility, a key ingredient in the aluminium smelting and mining sectors, will also be connected to the 132kV SFZ grid station in 2025 with generation capacity of 24MW this year. This will be followed by the linkage of the smelter of Star Ferro Alloys to the same grid in Sohar Freezone next year, with an installed capacity of 18 MW. Also slated for grid connection are the Duqm Cement plant (installed capacity of 29.95 MW) in 2026; Oman Cement to the 132kV Misfah grid station in 2027 with total installed capacity of 80 MW; and the Ghubrah III Independent Water Project to the 132kV Ghubrah grid station in 2027 with installed capacity of 50.8 MW. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon)
18-05-2025
- Business
Oman extends concession agreement with Oxy for Block 53 until 2050
Muscat – Oman's Ministry of Energy and Minerals on Sunday signed an agreement with Occidental Oman (Oxy Oman) and its partners to extend the exploration and production sharing agreement for Concession Block 53 in Mukhaizna until 2050. Oxy Oman's partners in the Mukhaizna field include OQ Exploration and Production, Indian Oil Corporation Liwa, and PTT Exploration and Production. The agreement was signed under the patronage of H E Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. The extended agreement provides for continued investment totalling approximately $30bn over the concession period. This includes capital and operational expenditure aimed at improving production efficiency and implementing the latest extraction technologies to maximise utilisation of the region's available resources. 'This strategic step is part of the ministry's efforts to ensure the continued operation of the Mukhaizna field and enhance oil production through the application of advanced steam injection technology and the development of the Thulaylat reservoir,' the Ministry of Energy and Minerals said in a press statement. The Mukhaizna field has served as a successful model of collaboration between operators and has, over the years, led to tangible improvements in production levels – currently recording the highest daily crude oil output among the sultanate's fields. 'These major investments are expected to support the sustainability of the supply chain and associated operational contracts, which will positively impact economic activity and generate new employment opportunities in the oil and gas sector and its supporting industries,' the ministry added. Commenting on the agreement, H E Aufi said, 'The extension of the concession agreement for Block 53 represents a pivotal step towards ensuring the continued contribution of this vital field to the national economy. The anticipated investment will support production development and enhance the added value of the energy sector in Oman. We remain committed to working with our partners to fully realise the potential of Block 53.' This extension reaffirms Oman's continued commitment to the sustainability of its oil and gas sector through the adoption of best practices and modern technologies to maximise returns from its natural resources.
Zawya
02-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Muscat Municipality officially inaugurates the Green Walkway in South Al Maabelah
Muscat; Muscat Municipality celebrated the launch of the Green Walkway project in South Al Maabelah, in the Wilayat of Seeb, last Wednesday. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and was attended by His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, and Mr Stephen L. Lover, President and General Manager of Occidental Oman, along with several officials from both the public and private sectors. The project spans an area of more than 152,000 square metres and has been implemented in collaboration with Occidental Oman as part of its corporate social responsibility programmes. The project includes a range of integrated facilities catering to various community needs. It features a dedicated sports walkway and a bicycle track, each extending 3,400 metres, along with pedestrian overpasses to ensure ease of movement. Additionally, the site includes designated play areas for children, fitness equipment, multipurpose sports courts, and a skateboarding area, making it an ideal destination for families and individuals seeking a comprehensive recreational environment. The project also features expansive green spaces, modern lighting, restaurants, cafes, rest areas and designated locations for food trucks. Commenting on the launch, His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, stated: "This project reflects Muscat Governorate's commitment, through Muscat Municipality, to providing sustainable facilities that enhance the quality of life and align with the development pillars of the governorate. The Green Walkway project represents a qualitative addition to Muscat's urban environment, serving a broad segment of society by combining sustainability, recreation, and public health promotion. It adds aesthetic value to the area while providing a suitable environment for sports and leisure activities, which aligns with modern urban planning. We also appreciate the role of the private sector in supporting developmental initiatives that benefit the community." Mr Stephen L. Lover, President and General Manager of Occidental Oman, added: "We are proud to contribute and collaborate with Muscat Municipality in implementing this pioneering project, which serves as a model for modern developments focused on environmental conservation and sustainable urban growth. This partnership is part of our corporate social responsibility. It underscores our firm commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development and provide a healthy environment for the community, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040." It is worth noting that Muscat Municipality remains committed to supporting national efforts to achieve the ambitious vision of 'A Sustainable, Thriving, and Vibrant Muscat' by working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to implement high-quality projects that meet community aspirations, boost tourism and development, and enhance the overall quality of life in line with national priorities.
Times of Oman
01-03-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Muscat Municipality celebrates launch of Green Walkway project in Seeb
Muscat: Muscat Municipality celebrated the launch of the Green Walkway project in South Al Maabelah, in the Wilayat of Seeb, last Wednesday. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and was attended by His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, and Mr Stephen L. Lover, President and General Manager of Occidental Oman, along with several officials from both the public and private sectors. The project spans an area of more than 152,000 square metres and has been implemented in collaboration with Occidental Oman as part of its corporate social responsibility programmes. The project includes a range of integrated facilities catering to various community needs. It features a dedicated sports walkway and a bicycle track, each extending 3,400 metres, along with pedestrian overpasses to ensure ease of movement. Additionally, the site includes designated play areas for children, fitness equipment, multipurpose sports courts, and a skateboarding area, making it an ideal destination for families and individuals seeking a comprehensive recreational environment. The project also features expansive green spaces, modern lighting, restaurants, cafes, rest areas and designated locations for food trucks. Commenting on the launch, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, stated: 'This project reflects Muscat Governorate's commitment, through Muscat Municipality, to providing sustainable facilities that enhance the quality of life and align with the development pillars of the governorate. The Green Walkway project represents a qualitative addition to Muscat's urban environment, serving a broad segment of society by combining sustainability, recreation, and public health promotion. It adds aesthetic value to the area while providing a suitable environment for sports and leisure activities, which aligns with modern urban planning. We also appreciate the role of the private sector in supporting developmental initiatives that benefit the community.' Stephen L. Lover, President and General Manager of Occidental Oman, added: 'We are proud to contribute and collaborate with Muscat Municipality in implementing this pioneering project, which serves as a model for modern developments focused on environmental conservation and sustainable urban growth. This partnership is part of our corporate social responsibility. It underscores our firm commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development and provide a healthy environment for the community, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.' It is worth noting that Muscat Municipality remains committed to supporting national efforts to achieve the ambitious vision of 'A Sustainable, Thriving, and Vibrant Muscat' by working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to implement high-quality projects that meet community aspirations, boost tourism and development, and enhance the overall quality of life in line with national priorities.
