MUSCAT: A number of research initiatives have been announced designed to support renewable energy adoption, sustainable energy use, decarbonisation and even the uptake of green hydrogen as part of Oman’s energy transition.
The research projects are funded by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), among other agencies.
Notable is a research project initiated recently by the Oman Hydrogen Centre (OHC), an International Competence Hub established at GUtech for research, technology, education, economy and industrial applications. The research project, focusing on the decarbonisation of Oman’s residential sector, is led by Dr Saleh al Saadi, Principal Investigator from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), with support from Co-Principal Investigator Dr Hayder Khan and Co-Investigator Dr Sausan al Riyami, who is also Director of OHC.
According to the Centre, decarbonising the housing sector is pivotal to Oman’s Net Zero goals. Citing data from the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), it noted that the sector accounts for around 80 per cent of total power consumption. With the power generation sector contributing a significant 19 per cent of total national carbon emissions, sustainable energy solutions coupled with innovative building design and construction options, are key to making buildings energy efficient, it said.
“This innovative research project will focus on developing sustainable design guidelines tailored to Oman’s unique climate, emphasizing energy efficiency, solar energy integration, and green hydrogen storage. The goal is to create a framework for decarbonizing residential buildings,” the Centre stated.
Importantly, the research initiative will capitalize on learnings garnered from two key pilots established at SQU. One is the Hybrid Station, a facility set up within SQU’s Sustainable Energy Research Center. Integrating multiple energy sources into a standalone microgrid system, the high-tech station features a 5 kW methanol-reformed fuel cell, a 5 kW photovoltaic (PV) system, and a 6 kW diesel generator, all managed by a smart microgrid capable of handling up to 15 kW.
The other pilot is an Eco-house, built on the SQU campus as a model of sustainable design. Comprising a two-story single-family villa, with a built-up area of 279.32 m², the Eco-house is equipped with a rooftop PV system delivering approximately 20 kW peak power, meeting immediate energy needs and channeling surplus energy back into the grid.
According to OHC, the research project aims to “break new ground in the development of off-grid, net-zero energy housing across -four distinct climatic zones” in Oman. As part of the study, a comprehensive assessment will be made of energy consumption patterns in residential buildings throughout Oman. It will also explore the use of energy-efficient technologies, coupled with the integration of solar power and green hydrogen, to create off-grid, net-zero energy residential buildings.
Additionally, a key part of the study is to come up with sustainable design guidelines, focusing on the one hand, on passive strategies (addressing construction materials, building envelope design, shading, and fenestration systems), and on the other, active strategies (incorporating energy-efficient air conditioning and lighting systems). Options for solar power generation and hydrogen storage will be evaluated as well.
“The findings from this pioneering research will provide valuable guidance for architects, engineers, policymakers, and developers dedicated to advancing sustainable, energy-independent housing solutions in Oman,” OHC added.
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