Latest news with #OmanWaterWeek2025
Observer
14-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman targets 3rd GH2 auction round by April-end
MUSCAT: The much-anticipated third round of Oman's auction of land blocks for large-scale, integrated green hydrogen projects is expected to be launched before the end of this month, a key representative of Hydrom – the orchestrator and master-planner of this sector – has revealed. Rumaitha al Busaidi, Business and ICV Development Manager – Hydrom, said the third auction round would be modelled largely on the lines of the successful first two rounds, which have led to the award of eight land blocks to date, with a total green hydrogen production commitment of around 1 million tonnes per annum starting from 2030. 'It is confirmed that we will be going to the market with another round of auctions by the end of this month,' said Al Busaidi. 'The timeline is around 7 to 8 months usually, but that will be much more clear once we actually move to the market. It'll be divided into two phases – the RFQ stage, and then you have the RFP stage, as is usually the process. We're aiming to award the next round of projects hopefully by the first quarter of 2026.' The official made the revelations in a presentation at the Oman Water Week 2025 forum, which concluded at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre last week. Her talk focused on the Capacities, R&D and ICV aspects of Oman's green hydrogen ecosystem. Significantly, Hydrom is also weighing a separate auction platform to help secure a market for green hydrogen for local industries and applications within Oman. 'We are exploring different forms of auctions to create and build the market (for green hydrogen) in Oman,' Rumaitha noted. '(This) will target specific industries that will be developing in Oman, like green steel, fertilizers and others. And we will also have a double-sided auction, which is more of a government support mechanism, where at the moment we know that the price of green hydrogen is quite high, so what can we do to bridge that price gap between the developer or the supplier and the one that requires the offtake of the green hydrogen. So these are things that we are still working on. We'll have more clarity by the end of the year.' In addition to its principal role as sector orchestrator, Hydrom is also overseeing the roll-out of shared infrastructure – encompassing desalinated water, green electricity grids, hydrogen pipeline networks, and so on – to support the green hydrogen projects. This shared infrastructure, Rumaitha said, lies at the heart of Oman's investment appeal to international green hydrogen developers. 'The shared infrastructure is a big element as to why you are having a lot of international players coming in. This is because we are taking on the risk along with the developer, while they're building the things they're really good at. We're also building things that we're really good at and maximizing value creation rather than just let the developer build their own desalination capacity, do their own pipelines and so on. So we are shouldering this risk in order for the industry to also grow together.' Going forward, Hydrom also envisions a role for itself as the aggregator and shipper of green hydrogen, replicating the role wholly state-owned Integrated Gas Company (IGC) currently performs with regard to natural gas supply. That additional responsibility is foreseen around 2030, when the production of green hydrogen is set to become a commercial reality. 'We know that once production starts by 2030, there will be some green hydrogen production demand for Oman. So we are envisaging a role that we can incubate a process very similar to how IGC, the Integrated Gas Company, works where all the requests for green hydrogen demand comes to one centralized entity to be able to process and honour those requests once they come in,' she added.
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.
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Nama Water working on projects worth more than $1bln
Muscat – Nama Water Services is currently working on a series of key projects valued at more than RO550mn, according to Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, CEO of the company. The announcement was made during the opening of the Oman Water Week conference on Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, with over 100 international and regional experts in attendance. In his speech, Zakwani said that the company's ongoing projects include significant investments in water transmission lines, increased storage capacity, and expanded sanitation networks. He also stated that Nama Water Services is committed to further investment in these sectors in the future. He added that Nama Water Services aims to maximise local added value by allocating 20 per cent of the total cost of strategic projects to local content, with a focus on engaging small and medium enterprises. This, he said, will support the national economy and create new opportunities for entrepreneurship in the water and infrastructure sectors. Furthermore, Nama Water Services is exploring alternative water resources to maximise benefits from various sources. One notable project is the Wadi Dayqah Dam Water Purification Plant in Quriyat, which will utilise surface water and purify it according to the highest international technical standards. The company has also made progress in upgrading its water metre infrastructure, converting mechanical metres to digital ones. This upgrade has resulted in approximately 95% of subscribers now having access to digital metres, which help raise awareness about water conservation by providing real-time updates on consumption. 'This also ensures more accurate billing for consumers.' In line with its efforts to optimise water use, Nama Water Services has established a monitoring centre that operates around the clock to analyse water consumption patterns. 'This allows the company to address challenges promptly and efficiently.' Zakwani also emphasised the importance of reclaimed water, treated using international best practices. He stated that reclaimed water is essential for ensuring the efficient use of water resources and promoting environmental balance by increasing green spaces across Oman. Oman Water Week 2025 features a range of specialised sessions and workshops focused on water management, innovative technologies, and emerging trends in the field. The event also includes an exhibition with over 60 exhibitors from more than 25 countries. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
07-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Nama Water working on projects worth more than RO550mn
Muscat – Nama Water Services is currently working on a series of key projects valued at more than RO550mn, according to Qais bin Saud al Zakwani, CEO of the company. The announcement was made during the opening of the Oman Water Week conference on Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, with over 100 international and regional experts in attendance. In his speech, Zakwani said that the company's ongoing projects include significant investments in water transmission lines, increased storage capacity, and expanded sanitation networks. He also stated that Nama Water Services is committed to further investment in these sectors in the future. He added that Nama Water Services aims to maximise local added value by allocating 20 per cent of the total cost of strategic projects to local content, with a focus on engaging small and medium enterprises. This, he said, will support the national economy and create new opportunities for entrepreneurship in the water and infrastructure sectors. Qais bin Saud al Zakwani Furthermore, Nama Water Services is exploring alternative water resources to maximise benefits from various sources. One notable project is the Wadi Dayqah Dam Water Purification Plant in Quriyat, which will utilise surface water and purify it according to the highest international technical standards. The company has also made progress in upgrading its water metre infrastructure, converting mechanical metres to digital ones. This upgrade has resulted in approximately 95% of subscribers now having access to digital metres, which help raise awareness about water conservation by providing real-time updates on consumption. 'This also ensures more accurate billing for consumers.' In line with its efforts to optimise water use, Nama Water Services has established a monitoring centre that operates around the clock to analyse water consumption patterns. 'This allows the company to address challenges promptly and efficiently.' Zakwani also emphasised the importance of reclaimed water, treated using international best practices. He stated that reclaimed water is essential for ensuring the efficient use of water resources and promoting environmental balance by increasing green spaces across Oman. Oman Water Week 2025 features a range of specialised sessions and workshops focused on water management, innovative technologies, and emerging trends in the field. The event also includes an exhibition with over 60 exhibitors from more than 25 countries.
