Petroleum Development Oman’s (PDO) Majlis called for a national plan “with clear strategies, policies and projects to boost energy efficiency in the Sultanate.”
Experts at the Majlis said the energy blueprint should include a dedicated organisation to implement measures to reduce power consumption, as well as progress reporting and monitoring systems to ensure greater sustainability.
“We are fully committed to reducing our energy consumption and seeking new practices and technologies to more effectively use power in our operations and for potential redeployment to other value-adding sectors of Oman’s economy and industry,” said PDO External Affairs and Communication Manager Mohammed Al Ghareebi. He also called for more collaboration between the private and public sectors.
This follows PDO’s partnership with GlassPoint Solar, which uses solar energy to reduce the carbon footprint of upstream operations. In September, the pair launched a solar technology centre to perform scale tests of the technology in-field.
The panelists discussed the importance of embracing energy-efficient behaviour, the possibility of reviewing subsidies to ensure they are targeted at those who really need them and liberalising the energy supply market to ensure greater competition and proper pricing. The dialogue also covered the integral role of energy efficiency as good business in terms of reducing costs, and in the nation’s energy transition from a reliance on fossil fuels to a greater use of renewables, such as solar and wind.
“We must do more to relay the message that increased efficiency can lower greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, decrease water use – and cut business and household bills,” Al Ghareebi said.
PDO noted in a press release that “the lessons and recommendations discussed during the event will be passed on to Omani policy makers along with those stemming from a joint European Union-PDO workshop which preceded the Majlis.”
