What does the MEM do in Oman?

Al Aufi is tasked with overseeing efforts to help Oman advance its goal of creating a less carbon-intensive future. In addition to hydrocarbons, the MEM also oversees renewable energy and industry development. Oman aims to be a leading producer and exporter of hydrogen made using electricity generated by renewable sources.

What is Oman's new PV policy?

Recently, the government in Oman introduced new policy that encourages the residential sector to instal photovoltaic (PV) cells on their rooftops. This is expected to have more energy produced from PV in the future, which will be fed back to the grid.

Why should I use PHES facilities in Oman?

Since PHES facilities have been used in several countries around the world and the technology is relatively mature, and also because the load centre in Oman is in the Muscat governorate, which forms an excellent location considering geological factors, this technology is recommended. There are two options for PHES facilities in MIS.

How can energy storage improve the penetration of intermittent resources?

Energy storage can increase the penetration of intermittent resources by improving power system flexibility, reducing energy curtailment and minimising system costs. By the end of 2018 the global capacity for pump hydropower storage reached 160 GW whereas the global capacity for battery storage totalled around 3 GW (REN21 2019 ).

Is Oman ready to move away from the shared ownership structure?

Gas fields and processing plants are operated by PDO exclusively on behalf of the government and EDO. Looking to the future, Oman is prepared to move away from the shared ownership structure that is typified by PDO, allowing both domestic and international players to operate more independently.

How do energy storage systems work?

Energy storage systems currently in use around the world save energy in a variety of forms – chemical, kinetic, thermal and so on – and convert them back to electricity or other useful forms. In Pumped Hydroelectric Storage, for example, the system consists of two reservoirs maintained at different heights.