OQ’s Energy Efficiency Conference 2021 organized by OQ, which was held under the auspices of H.E. Engineer Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Undersecretary of Ministry of Energy and Minerals, was an extraordinary opportunity to engage with all the stakeholders from across the Sultanate.
The conference discussed current global landscape and outlook of energy efficiency, its economic, social and environmental benefits, and related opportunities and challenges in both the industrial and buildings sectors of the country.
On this occasion and in his speech during the conference, H.E. Engineer Salim Al Aufi said, “Energy efficiency is centrally important to social development, economic growth and resilience, and clean energy transitions. Many countries have successfully implemented energy efficiency policies, resulting in a range of positive outcomes in terms of jobs . The International Energy Agency (IEA) analysis shows there is still significant untapped energy efficiency potential and a concerning slowdown of global efficiency progress in recent years. Oman is taking action with this important topic.”
Successful case studies of implementing energy efficiency measures in the Oil and Gas industry of Oman were also presented at the conference.
Among the event speakers and exhibitors from the energy sector of the Sultanate were Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Carbon Connect International, Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC), Sultan Qaboos University, Hasa Energy, Schneider Electric, bp, Siemens, Total, Enova, and Yokogaqa & KBC.
His Excellency added “A high percentage of energy produced in Oman is used in the O&G fields. Reducing energy use is beneficial economically, environmentally and frees up additional fuel for export/other industries”. Energy efficiency can enable a new market in Oman through the formation of local ESCO's (energy service companies).
Dr. Salim Huthaili, CEO of Alternative Energy, OQ, further said that, “like many other parts of the developed world, the Middle East is also geared up to firmly emphasize on having government policies to implement EE ideas in their economic and fiscal planning. This is particularly with a focus on issues related to electrical demand as a 300 percent increase in the electricity demand is expected in the Middle East by the year 2050”.