Latest news with #OmanClimateWeek
Observer
07-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Climate change threatens Oman's agricultural biodiversity, warns expert
MUSCAT: Global warming and the resulting climate change can severely impact Oman's agricultural biodiversity, a leading Omani environmental expert has warned. Dr Malik al Wardy, Director of the Center for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR) at Sultan Qaboos University, raised the alarm about climate-induced disruptions for the Sultanate at the Oman Climate Week forum held in Muscat recently, under the auspices of the Environment Authority. Taking part in a panel discussion on the theme, 'Preserving Biodiversity and Eco-Systems: Protecting Natural Habitats in a Changing Climate', Dr Al Wardy outlined the challenges faced by Oman's unique ecosystems, including its desert, mountain, and coastal habitats. "Oman is a hyper-arid country with average annual rainfall of less than 100 millimetres. Any change in precipitation patterns has a significant impact on our biodiversity and natural habitats," Dr Al Wardy said. He emphasised that the country's agricultural systems, especially those reliant on the coastal regions where the best soils exist, are particularly vulnerable to climate change. According to the expert, recent studies have shown that Oman's agricultural biodiversity is being threatened by several factors, including rising temperatures and decreasing precipitation. In one such scenario, temperatures in some parts of Oman could increase by four to five degrees Celsius by the year 2100, he noted. Additionally, minimum night-time temperatures are rising at a faster rate than daytime highs, negatively affecting vegetation in mountain ecosystems, particularly species like the juniper tree in Al Jabal Al Akhdar. "These species, unique to the Gulf region, are struggling to regenerate due to the increasing temperatures, particularly during the night," he pointed out. Likewise, Oman's water resources will also be imperiled by rising temperatures. A decrease in precipitation and an increase in evaporation rates have already caused a drop in aquifer levels, exacerbating water scarcity. In coastal areas, where much of Oman's agricultural activity takes place, sea level rise and saltwater intrusion have further degraded water quality, undermining agricultural productivity. Significantly, global warming impacts will impact the north and south of the country differently. 'We must remember that Oman's climate varies across regions. The north experiences different weather patterns compared to the far south, which is influenced by monsoons during the summer. It's crucial to consider how specific regions will be affected, how natural habitats will respond to climate impacts, and how the country's biodiversity will be affected,' he said The studies stress the need for adaptation strategies to protect Oman's agricultural biodiversity. Dr Al Wardy emphasized the importance of climate-resilient crops to ensure food security in the face of changing climate conditions. He also pointed to the necessity of integrated approaches to managing land and water resources, especially in regions most impacted by climate change. Also taking part in the panel discussion were: Maan Iskandar, Director – Green Energy & Env Policy, Aramco; Dr Hany el Shaer, Regional Director – IUCN ROWA; Liam McCann – UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs; Dr Guillem Banc-Prandi, Scientific Director – Transnational Red Sea Center; and Andrea Kutter, Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist – World Bank Group. Dr Thuraya Said al Sariri, Assistant DG of Nature Conservation, Environment Authority, was the session moderator.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Turning marble waste into fertiliser: A sustainable innovation for Oman
MUSCAT: With Oman generating an estimated 5-6 million tonnes of marble waste annually, researchers have unveiled an innovative solution to transform this environmental burden into a valuable agricultural resource. A study presented at Oman Climate Week showcases a breakthrough in synthesising slow-release fertiliser capsules from marble waste, offering a sustainable and efficient approach to waste management. Led by Balqees bint Nasser al Khayaliyah, Maiyar bint Ahmed al Jahwariyah and supervised by Dr Amal bint Salim al Rahbiyah of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Muscat, the research explores the conversion of marble waste into precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). This high-purity compound has widespread industrial applications, from paper and coatings to food and pharmaceuticals. However, its potential in agriculture, particularly in fertilisers, stands out for its environmental and economic benefits. The global calcium carbonate market is expected to grow from 159.51 million tonnes in 2023 to 185.64 million tonnes by 2028, highlighting strong demand for innovative uses of PCC. By tapping into this opportunity, Oman could not only mitigate marble waste pollution but also establish itself as a key player in sustainable calcium carbonate production. The researchers synthesised calcium carbonate using chemical and hydrothermal treatments. The chemical method involved extracting calcium chloride from marble waste with hydrochloric acid before converting it into calcium carbonate. Meanwhile, the hydrothermal process, which applies high temperature and pressure, produced purer and more uniform calcium carbonate crystals. The study found that the optimal conditions for hydrothermal treatment were 220°C with a 3M NaCH solution over four hours, yielding high-purity calcium carbonate suitable for agricultural applications. The resulting fertiliser capsules provide a slow-release mechanism that prevents nutrient leaching and minimises environmental runoff, improving soil health. The capsules are made from biodegradable materials, ensuring sustainability while enhancing nutrient uptake and root development. This innovation also reduces the frequency of fertiliser application, making farming more efficient and cost-effective. The successful transformation of marble waste into fertiliser encapsulates the principles of a circular economy — maximising resource efficiency while minimising environmental damage. By reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers and harmful chemicals, this innovation paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Oman. With growing global demand for sustainable solutions, this research positions Oman at the forefront of green innovation, turning an environmental challenge into a strategic economic opportunity. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
03-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Turning marble waste into fertiliser: A sustainable innovation for Oman
MUSCAT: With Oman generating an estimated 5-6 million tonnes of marble waste annually, researchers have unveiled an innovative solution to transform this environmental burden into a valuable agricultural resource. A study presented at Oman Climate Week showcases a breakthrough in synthesising slow-release fertiliser capsules from marble waste, offering a sustainable and efficient approach to waste management. Led by Balqees bint Nasser al Khayaliyah, Maiyar bint Ahmed al Jahwariyah and supervised by Dr Amal bint Salim al Rahbiyah of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Muscat, the research explores the conversion of marble waste into precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). This high-purity compound has widespread industrial applications, from paper and coatings to food and pharmaceuticals. However, its potential in agriculture, particularly in fertilisers, stands out for its environmental and economic benefits. The global calcium carbonate market is expected to grow from 159.51 million tonnes in 2023 to 185.64 million tonnes by 2028, highlighting strong demand for innovative uses of PCC. By tapping into this opportunity, Oman could not only mitigate marble waste pollution but also establish itself as a key player in sustainable calcium carbonate production. The researchers synthesised calcium carbonate using chemical and hydrothermal treatments. The chemical method involved extracting calcium chloride from marble waste with hydrochloric acid before converting it into calcium carbonate. Meanwhile, the hydrothermal process, which applies high temperature and pressure, produced purer and more uniform calcium carbonate crystals. The study found that the optimal conditions for hydrothermal treatment were 220°C with a 3M NaCH solution over four hours, yielding high-purity calcium carbonate suitable for agricultural applications. The resulting fertiliser capsules provide a slow-release mechanism that prevents nutrient leaching and minimises environmental runoff, improving soil health. The capsules are made from biodegradable materials, ensuring sustainability while enhancing nutrient uptake and root development. This innovation also reduces the frequency of fertiliser application, making farming more efficient and cost-effective. The successful transformation of marble waste into fertiliser encapsulates the principles of a circular economy — maximising resource efficiency while minimising environmental damage. By reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers and harmful chemicals, this innovation paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in Oman. With growing global demand for sustainable solutions, this research positions Oman at the forefront of green innovation, turning an environmental challenge into a strategic economic opportunity.
Observer
01-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman's HyDuqm GH2 project targets $7-8bn investment
MUSCAT, MARCH 1 Investments in HyDuqm – a major green hydrogen (GH2) project envisaged for implementation in Oman's Al Wusta Governorate – are estimated to total around $7 – 8 billion at full capacity, according to a key executive associated with the mega-scale venture. An international consortium, jointly led by global low-carbon energy developer ENGIE and Korean steel conglomerate POSCO, has secured a 340 km2 concession block in Duqm for the project – one of eight land blocks awarded by Hydrom, the country's GH2 orchestrator, to international developers so far. The project will include up to approximately 5 GW of new wind and solar capacity, and a renewable hydrogen plant with a capacity of up to 200,000 tonnes per annum (tpa). The hydrogen will then be transported by a hydrogen pipeline to an ammonia plant at the Port of Duqm. Green ammonia of around 1.2 million tpa is proposed to be shipped to Korea starting in 2030. Speaking at the Oman Climate Week forum held in Muscat last week, Hyerin Park, Vice President, Hydrogen Business Development, ENGIE AMEA, shared insights into financing and bankability challenges associated with the global green hydrogen industry. Taking part in a panel discussion, Park, who is also Chief Financial Officer, HyDuqm, underlined the complexities involved in funding large-scale hydrogen projects. Duqm alone, with a target to produce 1 million tpa of renewable hydrogen by 2030, will necessitate an estimated $35 billion in investment. HyDuqm, contributing 200,000 tpa of hydrogen to be converted into 1 million tpa of ammonia, carries an approximate cost of $7-8 billion. Given these figures, securing financing is not just a matter of capital availability but also ensuring appropriate risk allocation, she noted. According to the ENGIE executive, project risk is distributed across various stages of the hydrogen value chain, from renewable energy production to hydrogen conversion, transportation, and offtake. Investors are hesitant to fund projects where risks are overly concentrated, making public-private partnerships (PPPs) and policy-driven risk mitigation essential for bankability. Government-backed incentives, such as loan guarantees and subsidies, play a crucial role in bridging the financing gap, she said. Significantly, a project's bankability can also be enhanced by securing offtake agreements, Park stressed. HyDuqm, for its part, aims to supply green ammonia to Korea to decarbonize coal-fired power plants, ensuring a long-term demand base. However, the broader hydrogen market remains in its early stages, with pricing mechanisms still evolving. Greater clarity on hydrogen pricing structures and long-term contracts will enhance financial predictability, making projects more attractive to investors, she explained. Also weighing on a project's bankability is the cost of electrolysis technology. HyDuqm will require 2 GW of electrolyzer capacity, whereas the largest operational projects today operate at only 100-200 MW. This gap necessitates further investment in advancing electrolyzer technology to scale up capacity while reducing costs. Without such advancements, projects remain vulnerable to high capital expenditure (CapEx), affecting financial viability, she warned. Beyond CapEx, operational expenditure (OpEx) subsidies are also critical. Contract-for-difference mechanisms, wherein governments subsidize the cost gap between hydrogen production and market price, can enhance financial feasibility, Park noted Citing HyDuqm's experience thus far in the project's development, the executive underlined the important role of collaboration among stakeholders—governments, financial institutions, and industry players—in addressing financing challenges. Risk-sharing frameworks, innovative funding models, and strategic public-private cooperation will be instrumental in accelerating green hydrogen development in Oman and beyond, she added.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Renewable energy thrust needs infrastructure boost
MUSCAT: As Oman accelerates its shift toward renewable energy, industry leaders stress the need for infrastructure resilience, grid modernisation, and energy storage solutions to meet the country's ambitious clean energy targets. Speaking at Oman Climate Week, Ahmed Abdel Magied, Head of Business Development at Oman EDF, highlighted the key challenges and opportunities in the transition. EDF Group, a multinational integrated energy utility, generates 94% of its electricity from carbon-free sources, with operations in 25 countries and a total capacity of 140 GW. In the Middle East, EDF has developed nearly 8 GW of renewable power, offsetting over 10 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. In Oman, the company is involved in major renewable projects, including the 500 MW Manah 1 solar plant and a large-scale green hydrogen facility powered by 4.5 GW of renewable capacity. *OMAN'S RENEWABLE ENERGY GOALS AND CLIMATE RISKS* Oman has set ambitious targets of 30% renewable energy by 2030 and 39% by 2040, requiring a mix of large-scale solar and wind projects integrated with a stable grid. However, climate change poses new risks, particularly the increase in wind speeds, which could impact the durability of renewable energy infrastructure. "All renewable assets are built to withstand specific wind speeds under industry design standards, categorised into different levels. Category 1 represents lower wind speeds, while Category 3 covers significantly stronger winds," Magied explained. "Most existing projects follow Category 1 standards, but as climate conditions change, these specifications may no longer be sufficient to ensure long-term resilience." Magied emphasised the need for stronger industry standards to address climate risks. "We must develop solutions that allow renewable energy assets to withstand harsher weather conditions while remaining cost-effective. Innovation in design and construction will play a crucial role in ensuring long-term sustainability and energy affordability for consumers." *GRID CHALLENGES IN TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION* With renewable energy generation spread across different regions, efficient transmission and distribution have become critical challenges. A key concern is transporting electricity from the southern production sites to the northern consumption hubs, requiring careful grid synchronisation and investment in transmission networks. Additionally, Oman is introducing self-generation options for consumers, such as rooftop solar panels, allowing households and businesses to produce their own power. While this supports renewable energy adoption, it also changes traditional electricity flow, requiring more dynamic grid management. "The grid must adapt to two-way electricity flows, where consumers are also producers. This means investing in smart grids, smart meters, and digital innovations to enhance network stability," Magied said. "Reinforcing the grid will also support the integration of new energy technologies, including electric vehicles and distributed solar systems." *ENERGY STORAGE AS A SOLUTION FOR GRID STABILITY* Given the intermittency of solar and wind energy, large-scale energy storage solutions are essential to balance supply and demand. Magied pointed to pumped hydro storage as a promising solution for Oman. "In addition to its abundant solar and wind resources, Oman has a third natural advantage—its mountainous landscape," he noted. "This makes it an ideal location for pumped hydro storage, a proven technology that allows excess renewable energy to be stored by pumping water to a higher elevation and releasing it when needed." EDF has extensive experience in hydroelectric power, operating 22 GW of capacity globally, including 5 GW of pumped hydro storage. The company is also involved in the first-of-its-kind 250 MW / 1,500 MWh pumped storage project in the UAE. "Oman's landscape and water resources provide a strong opportunity for pumped hydro storage, which could play a key role in ensuring grid stability and accelerating the country's energy transition," Magied concluded. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
