Latest news with #OmanNetZeroCentre
Observer
28-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
What if climate solution was also our most overlooked?
I often find that the most powerful ideas are the ones we overlook. We get caught up in chasing innovation, in launching megaprojects, in building the future as if it is something far away. But sometimes, the real transformation is already here. Quiet. Practical. Waiting for us to notice. That is how I have come to think about energy efficiency. When I first started the Oman Climate Dialogues a couple of years ago, I wanted to create a space for conversations that were missing. Not panels filled with prepared statements. Not technical deep dives that left no room for reflection. But dialogue that connects policy with practice and intention with action. At the time, I felt that too many of our climate conversations were happening behind closed doors, framed around technology and finance, but missing the human pulse. We needed to open the space. This latest conversation focused on energy efficiency. And it revealed a strange contradiction. Across Oman, there is clear evidence of momentum. SOHAR Port and Freezone is implementing both pilot initiatives and large-scale optimisation projects. OQ is embedding efficiency into its operations as part of how it measures performance. The Oman Net Zero Centre is preparing to announce the results of its first public tender for government building retrofits. The Central Bank of Oman, perhaps unexpectedly, now holds the title of the most energy-efficient public building in the country. These are not small wins. They are proof that change is under way. And yet, how often do we hear about these successes? These efforts are happening, but they are not being shared. We are doing the work, but we are not telling the story. That silence has consequences. When projects remain tucked inside internal reports or procurement files, we lose momentum. When institutions act alone, we duplicate effort. When something that saves money, reduces emissions and builds local capability is barely mentioned in public discourse, we are missing the point. Oman has already put the right tools in place. Energy efficiency codes are now mandatory for all new buildings. Every air conditioner sold in the market must meet national performance standards. These policies matter. But what about the buildings constructed before these codes existed? What about the legacy infrastructure still consuming excessive power across ministries, malls and homes? The current strategy rightly focuses on large-scale public and commercial buildings first. Residential retrofits will follow. But we should be honest. These early efforts cannot succeed in isolation. They need to be visible. They need to be understood. They need to inspire others. Because energy efficiency is not just a climate tool. It is an economic strategy. It creates jobs in engineering, retrofitting and auditing. It strengthens energy security. It contributes directly to maximising local value. And it opens space for young Omanis and SMEs to lead in a field that is only growing. So why, with all of this in place, does energy efficiency still feel like an afterthought? Maybe because we still think of it as a side project. Something technical. Something someone else is doing. But it is not. It is national infrastructure. It is industrial strategy. And above all, it is common sense. The good news is that we do not need to invent anything new. We need to look again at what is already working and ask why we are not learning from it. We need to talk to each other more openly. Not to impress. Not to compete. But to align. Sometimes, the only thing standing between the overlooked and the obvious is the courage to start the right conversation. Rumaitha al Busaidi The writer is environmental strategist and advocate for sustainable development
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Rethinking AI for the real world of sustainable energy transition
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come a long way. Today, it can write, translate and analyse large volumes of information. But to help solve the urgent challenges of climate change and clean energy, AI must move beyond language. It must support real-world planning, decisions and action. Oman is taking bold steps towards sustainability. With its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, the country has launched the Oman Net Zero Centre under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. This centre will guide the national strategy, ensuring a transition that protects the environment, reduces costs, creates jobs and secures the energy supply. To make this transition successful, we need smart tools that can manage complex energy systems; and guide policy and investment choices. This is where AI can make a real difference, not just as a digital assistant but as a partner in designing and operating better sustainable systems. For example, green hydrogen is a key pillar of Oman's strategy. Major projects are being planned to turn Oman into a global hub for hydrogen production and export. AI can help these projects by modelling supply chains, optimising storage and transport; and forecasting international market dynamics to facilitate sustainable business growth. Similarly, AI can enhance the power sector by improving forecasting for solar and wind production, managing energy storage and increasing grid reliability. In transport, AI can support the rollout of electric vehicles and smart charging networks. In industry, it can identify cost-effective routes to shift from fossil fuels to electricity or hydrogen, helping avoid stranded investments. AI should be aligned with the five goals of Oman's net-zero pathway: environmental sustainability, energy affordability, economic growth, job creation and energy security. With the right approach, AI can help balance trade-offs and support better decisions. The UAE has already recognised this opportunity through the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), which is advancing research in AI for national transformation. Oman too can benefit by investing in similar initiatives. A dedicated centre or academic hub for AI in energy, climate and sustainability would complement the goals of the Oman Net Zero Centre and strengthen our national capabilities. As Oman builds its green hydrogen infrastructure and decarbonises its energy systems, AI must become part of the solution. It should be trained not just on data, but on the realities of engineering, economics and the climate. Now is the time to think beyond conventional uses of AI. If applied with purpose, AI can help Oman meet its Oman Vision 2040 and Net Zero 2050 goals and become a regional leader in smart and sustainable development. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
27-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Rethinking AI for the real world of sustainable energy transition
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come a long way. Today, it can write, translate and analyse large volumes of information. But to help solve the urgent challenges of climate change and clean energy, AI must move beyond language. It must support real-world planning, decisions and action. Oman is taking bold steps towards sustainability. With its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, the country has launched the Oman Net Zero Centre under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. This centre will guide the national strategy, ensuring a transition that protects the environment, reduces costs, creates jobs and secures the energy supply. To make this transition successful, we need smart tools that can manage complex energy systems; and guide policy and investment choices. This is where AI can make a real difference, not just as a digital assistant but as a partner in designing and operating better sustainable systems. For example, green hydrogen is a key pillar of Oman's strategy. Major projects are being planned to turn Oman into a global hub for hydrogen production and export. AI can help these projects by modelling supply chains, optimising storage and transport; and forecasting international market dynamics to facilitate sustainable business growth. Similarly, AI can enhance the power sector by improving forecasting for solar and wind production, managing energy storage and increasing grid reliability. In transport, AI can support the rollout of electric vehicles and smart charging networks. In industry, it can identify cost-effective routes to shift from fossil fuels to electricity or hydrogen, helping avoid stranded investments. AI should be aligned with the five goals of Oman's net-zero pathway: environmental sustainability, energy affordability, economic growth, job creation and energy security. With the right approach, AI can help balance trade-offs and support better decisions. The UAE has already recognised this opportunity through the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), which is advancing research in AI for national transformation. Oman too can benefit by investing in similar initiatives. A dedicated centre or academic hub for AI in energy, climate and sustainability would complement the goals of the Oman Net Zero Centre and strengthen our national capabilities. As Oman builds its green hydrogen infrastructure and decarbonises its energy systems, AI must become part of the solution. It should be trained not just on data, but on the realities of engineering, economics and the climate. Now is the time to think beyond conventional uses of AI. If applied with purpose, AI can help Oman meet its Oman Vision 2040 and Net Zero 2050 goals and become a regional leader in smart and sustainable development. Dr Muhammad Abdul Qyyum The writer is Assistant Professor, Department of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University.
Muscat Daily
12-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Sustainability, energy transition take centre stage at OPES and OSW 2025
By Our Correspondent Muscat – The Oman Petroleum and Energy Show (OPES) and Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) 2025 – the sultanate's largest energy and sustainability events – were officially inaugurated on Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. The events are being held under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and will run until May 14. The opening ceremony took place under the patronage of H H Sayyid Taimur bin Asaad al Said, in the presence of several distinguished ministers, ambassadors, senior officials, and representatives from various concerned entities, underscoring the growing national interest in a sustainable and balanced future. This year marks the first time that OSW and OPES are being held together as an integrated platform, emphasising the importance of securing and sustaining energy while showcasing the sultanate's commitment to achieving a balanced and progressive future. Commenting on the significance of the events, H E Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, said, 'OPES and OSW 2025 are nationally significant events that underscore Oman's ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable energy, and achieving a balance between innovation, economic growth, and environmental preservation. The OPES 2025 reinforces the country's vision for a sustainable energy future by supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. OSW 2025 is closely aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, playing a vital role in promoting the green circular economy and achieving the nation's ambition to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.' 'Together, these events serve as dynamic platforms for knowledge exchange, fostering innovation, and building strategic partnerships – driving national capacity development and enhancing economic resilience.' The theme of Oman Sustainability Week 2025 is 'Sustainable Growth – Balancing Progress and Preservation', while the theme for the Oman Petroleum and Energy Show 2025 is 'Navigating the Energy Transition through Innovation in Oil and Gas'. This joint platform aims to foster meaningful discussions and innovative solutions in these critical areas. Throughout the week, OPES and OSW 2025 will feature a dynamic programme comprising exhibitions, strategic conferences, C-level roundtables, technical workshops, and site visits. The event is expected to attract more than 30,000 visits from over 50 countries, with participation from more than 350 exhibiting companies and 2,400 delegates representing diverse global sectors. This strong international turnout highlights Oman's growing prominence as a hub for global dialogue on energy and sustainability. Moreover, the influx of international participants is anticipated to generate significant economic value across peripheral sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and transport, contributing meaningfully to the nation's broader diversification goals. Oman Net Zero Centre launched During the Oman Petroleum and Energy Show (OPES) and Oman Sustainability Week (OSW) 2025, H H Sayyid Taimur bin Asaad al Said on Monday inaugurated the Oman Net Zero Centre, which operates under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. The newly launched centre focuses on several key areas, particularly the preparation and continuous updating of the national plan to achieve net-zero emissions. It also oversees the implementation of relevant projects and initiatives, offering support and consultation to institutions and stakeholders to help meet national net-zero targets. In addition, the centre is responsible for defining and updating Oman's national strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. It provides technical guidance and support to both government bodies and private sector organisations on the net-zero transition and energy efficiency. The Oman Net Zero Centre also monitors progress, promotes awareness, and builds capacity to ensure the effective implementation of related programmes and initiatives. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to addressing climate change and advancing clean, renewable energy solutions. The initiative aligns with Oman's pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It has also accelerated the development of the renewable energy sector, established supportive legal frameworks and policies, and introduced incentives to attract foreign investment, support local industries, and localise clean energy technologies.
