MUSCAT: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has launched a national campaign, entitled "Our Sustainable Energy" in Dhofar Governorate, in collaboration with a number of governmental and private institutions, as well as civil society organizations. The campaign aims to raise awareness in the field of clean energy and encourage practices that ensure electricity consumption rationalization and achieve optimal energy use efficiency. The inauguration took place under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, in the presence of Dr Mansoor bin Talib al Hinai, Chairman - APSR, and CEOs of several companies operating in the energy sector.
In his opening remarks, Dr Mansoor al Hinai emphasised that Oman is confidently moving towards reliance on renewable energy as a gateway to future economic and developmental sectors, aligning with the national targets and priorities of Oman Vision 2040. This vision underscores the importance of expanding reliance on renewable energy to reach a rate of 39% of the total energy supply by 2040 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. He noted that the Authority has taken all necessary measures to implement national strategies for renewable energy projects, in collaboration with various relevant entities, to maximize the benefits of renewable energy sources and projects, support economic diversification plans, and enhance sustainable energy.
He added, "The transition to clean energy sources is currently an imperative and a practical economic pathway towards a sustainable future and development. Today, we announce the launch of the national campaign 'Our Sustainable Energy,' in collaboration with related entities from the public and private sectors, volunteer teams, and sports clubs." Dr Al Hinai pointed out that the launch of this national campaign is a continuation of the Authority's national initiatives in the field of clean energy. Earlier this year, the Authority announced the initiative to establish five new wind power stations, in addition to solar PV projects Ibri I, Ibri II, Ibri 3, Manah 1, and Manah II for solar energy, aiming to achieve 30% of electricity production from renewable sources by 2030.
Dr Mohammed al Kalbani, Director General of Sustainable Energy at the Authority, then presented the objectives of the national campaign "Our Sustainable Energy" and highlighted the timeline that the campaign will follow in Oman's governorates. A series of workshops planned as part of the campaign will target 180 participants representing various governmental and private entities, volunteer organizations, and service institutions. These participants will train hundreds of individuals within their respective institutions.
The campaign, with the participation of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology; the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning; Nama Supply Company; Petroleum Development Oman; Nafath Renewable Energy; the Electric Vehicles Club; and the Green Universe Foundation, stresses on three main topics: promoting sustainable home management, expanding the use of eco-friendly vehicles, and transitioning to solar energy generation, which will reduce final costs for consumers and increase awareness of renewable energy use.
Two papers were presented during the first workshop: the first by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning on Oman's Building Code, presented by Eng Sara al Hinai, and the second, a lecture on "Architectural Sustainability and Tips for Building a Sustainable Home," by Eng Suleiman al Bahri of PDO . The latter underlined the best ways to build energy-efficient homes, optimal use of electrical devices, choosing the best energy-saving lighting, and construction methods and materials that allow energy saving in homes.
The second workshop featured three papers: the first, "Nama Supply Strategy," presented by Eng Hilal al-Hadi from Nama Supply Company; the second, "Medium and Large Renewable Energy Projects," by Eng Abdullah al-Kalbani from the Green Universe Foundation, discussing renewable energy and green hydrogen projects and the beginning of large renewable energy projects in Oman; and the third, "Solar Energy Systems for Homes," by Falah al Siyabi from Nafath Renewable Energy, covering methods of using solar energy systems, including solar panels in homes and farms to reduce electricity costs.
Electric Vehicles were the theme of the third workshop with a total of three papers presented: the first, "Electric Vehicles Roadmap in Oman," by Eng Abdullah al Busaidi from the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, which covered the shift to electric vehicles, fuel consumption savings, and maintenance savings; the second, "Regulating EV Charging Activity," by Zainab al Lawati from APSR, on the regulations for charging electric vehicles, available incentives for users, application mechanisms, and the policy for determining the pricing for operating electric vehicles; and the third, "Electric Vehicle Technology and Applications," by Eng Zahir al Dhawy from the Electric Vehicles Club, discussing the components and features of electric vehicles, and their safety compared to conventional vehicles.
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