H E Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, marked a significant milestone on Monday with the inauguration of the 17-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) farm, an initiative set to power the Sharqiyah Desalination Plant in Sur. The ambitious solar project, a collaborative effort between Veolia and TotalEnergies, is the largest solar power system dedicated to a desalination facility in Oman.
Designed to generate green energy, the solar farm is projected to deliver an annual capacity of over 32,000 MWh of eco-friendly electricity, effectively catering to the complete daytime energy requirements of the desalination plant. Notably, this sustainable energy approach is anticipated to curtail approximately 27,200 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, equivalent to the environmental impact generated by approximately 6,000 internal combustion engine-powered vehicles during the same period.
During the inaugural ceremony, H E Aufi emphasized the significance of the solar photovoltaic facility, expressing his satisfaction at witnessing a crucial step in the region’s journey towards energy transition for a net-zero world. Highlighting the project’s alignment with Oman’s National Energy Strategy and the ambitious Oman Vision 2040, he commended all stakeholders and contributors for their dedication and commitment to the successful realization of the initiative.
Philippe Bourdeaux, vice president for Africa, Near & Middle East at Veolia, expressed the company’s delight at the project’s fruition and stressed the importance of local collaboration in driving energy transition and decarbonization. Veolia, a global leader in ecological transformation, aims to further its commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives such as the Sharqiyah Desalination Plant solar farm.
The inauguration event, attended by key industry leaders and government officials, including representatives from the Sharqiyah Desalination Company and the Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (NPWP), signified the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in fostering sustainable practices and environmental stewardship within Oman’s energy landscape.
Denis Le Maout, chairman of the Board of Sharqiyah Desalination Company, underlined the vital role of the Sur desalination plant in bolstering the local community’s access to clean drinking water while advocating for the adoption of renewable energy solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of conventional desalination processes.
Ahmed bin Salim al Abari, acting CEO of Nama for Power and Water Procurement Company, lauded the collaboration with water desalination plants in their transition towards renewable energy use, emphasizing the significance of such efforts in aligning with Oman’s sustainable energy objectives.
The inauguration ceremony underscored Oman’s steadfast commitment to adopting eco-friendly practices and driving sustainable energy solutions, reflecting the nation’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable development.
