Solar energy firm GlassPoint Solar showcased its technology at the 10th Edition of Oman’s Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference (OGWA).
At the exhibition, GlassPoint demonstrated to local and international players in the oil and gas industry how solar energy can help produce heavy oil more sustainably and reduce production costs.
GlassPoint, an associate sponsor of the event, offered visitors a virtual reality 3D tour of Miraah, its landmark project with Petroleum Development Oman.
Announced in July, the 1GW solar thermal project will harness the sun’s energy to produce an average of 6,000 tonnes of steam per day, replacing a sizeable portion of valuable gas.
The virtual reality experience allows visitors to immerse themselves within one of the world’s largest solar plants, experiencing first-hand how solar technology can reduce costs and achieve long-term energy goals for the Sultanate.
“With the current decline of oil prices, it becomes even more important for oil companies to look at ways of reducing production costs,” commented GlassPoint CEO Rod MacGregor.
“Oman is the first to take advantage of solar energy to replace traditional fuel resources to generate steam for enhanced oil recovery. It takes a vast amount of energy to produce oil, with a typical heavy oilfield consuming the same amount of energy as a small city,” MacGregor said.
“By using solar, gas saved can be directed towards higher value applications to stimulate Oman’s economy and have a lasting impact on growth,” he explained.
GlassPoint’s technology can reduce the natural gas used to extract heavy oil by up to 80%, a process called solar enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
By using solar, the gas saved can be redirected to meet rising demand for power generation, desalination, industrial development and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
Solar EOR can also generate significant in-country value, creating new opportunities in supply chain development, manufacturing capability, employment and training.
