Alternative Energy a Hot Topic Today in Oman

Solar Panels in Oman

In a country like Oman where the sun seems to always be shining, it makes sense to take advantage of this abundant and renewable natural resource. Recently more companies in the Sultanate having been showing interest in expanding their use of solar power.

As long ago as twenty years there were some pioneers who began to install small-scale solar power systems, such as Omantel and the Petroleum Development Oman (PDO.) They were convinced that they could reduce their energy consumption costs while simultaneously helping preserve the fragile environment.

"Wherever we can, we're trying to reduce energy consumption. Whether it's street lighting, facilities, electrical data relays, we introduce a number of solar panels. They continue to be a bigger and bigger part of our business,” commented Raoul Restucci, managing director of PDO.

Energy from wind is another area which companies in Oman are beginning to show an interest in.

Peter Broers is the CEO at the Port of Duqm. He said that in Duqm the use of wind has more potential as a reliable source of power, since the area is extremely windy, although he added that there could also be a solar farm in conjunction with a wind farm.

"I think if we look at a project that will be a world-class facility; renewable energy should be part of the daily approach. If you want to be modern and take care of environmental issues, then renewable energy is one of the steps you have to take,” Broers said.
 

PDO Director Restucci Announces New Oil Fields in Oman

Raoul Restucci

Raoul Restucci, the managing director of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) announced at his company’s annual media briefing last week that PDO has discovered several new sources for oil and gas in Oman, in addition to those already reported in 2011.

Two areas within the northeast sector of PDO’s concession area, in Lekhwair, were discovered; Lekwhair-724 and Mazkhour-5. Restuccci said that early test results predict that these wells should be able to supply more than 2,600 barrels of oil per day.

"In the south of Oman, PDO exploration well Sakhiya-21 discovered oil in an intra-salt Ara stringer carbonate reservoir near the Harweel production station. The well sustained an oil flow of over 1,800 bpd during the production test. The eventual recoverable volumes from the field, including the use of miscible gas injection as a secondary recovery scheme, are expected to be over 35 million barrels of oil," he said.

"Overall, these discoveries of both oil and gas come from a variety of reservoirs and depths, demonstrating the significant potential that continues to be available in the PDO concession area. As a result, PDO will continue its extensive efforts to find both new oil and new gas fields," Restucci stated.

In other good news for PDO, the company also had its best year in safety statistics. Total Recordable Case Frequency (TRCF) is at an all-time high with more than 450 million kilometers without even one work related road accident fatality. In addition, PDO signed a $35 million five year contract with Al Haditha Oilfield Services Company, which agrees to provide necessary flowline replacement services.

Restucci said that the value of the contract which was signed last week also increases with the scope of the work which Al Haditha can cover. The contract with Al Haditha, Restucci added, is part of their “In Country Value” strategy, which strives to support SLCC companies as well as grow and develop services and products created by Omani-based companies.