Utilities
From The Report: Oman 2015
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As rapid industrialisation continues in the sultanate, the utilities sector looks set to be a growth driver in terms of both construction contracts and private investment. In 2013 the Authority for Electricity Regulation reported that operators approved 276 projects worth $357.34m, and the numerous water and power plant projects in the pipeline bode well for future investors. Of particular interest is the renewable segment where progressive policies are in place to drive future growth and reduce dependence on hydrocarbons. The sultanate is capitalising on its high solar densities with solar energy currently being used in enhanced oil recovery schemes, while a funding grant from the Oman Research Council has enabled research into the use of concentrated solar power in desalination plants, with plans in place to develop an operational system by the end of 2015. This chapter contains interviews with Hassan Ali AbdulHussein, CEO, Haya Water; and Omar Al Wahaibi, CEO, Electricity Holding Company.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Upcoming projects set the stage for a diversifying sector
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Rapid population growth and a host of planned investment in megaprojects across the tourism, transportation and infrastructure sectors have led to pressing new demand on Oman’s utilities sector. Already boasting a dynamic, liberalised and open market that has witnessed a number of successful power projects built and owned by private companies, Oman is now set to launch a series of new projects that will add generation and desalination capacity, helping to replace older facilities. At the same time,…

Interview

Hussain Hassan Ali AbdulHussain, CEO, Haya Water: Interview
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Interview:Hussain Hassan Ali AbdulHussain How is it possible to quantify the economic and environmental impact of the water reuse system? HUSSAIN HASSAN ALI ABDULHUSSAIN: Our water reuse project was established with the objective of generating the maximum amount of treated effluent – recycled waste water – that can be used to benefit society. There will be an investment of over $2.6bn ($1.6bn for Muscat Governorate and $1 for other governorates) in waste water projects over the next decade,…

Analysis

Water projects are on the rise and legal changes permit further growth
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In the wake of growing water consumption driven by rapid population growth, the sultanate of Oman is working to substantially increase its seawater desalination capacity. The government’s successful record of working in collaboration with the private sector to deliver new utilities projects has painted a bright forecast for future partnerships, while amendments to the industry’s Sector Law are expected to encourage future independent water plants (IWPs). Unlike in an independent water and power…

Analysis

Leading the region in becoming energy independent
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The only country in the GCC with a ministry dedicated to climate affairs and renewable energy development, Oman has long looked to solar power to achieve energy independence while maintaining steady hydrocarbon exports. With the 2013 announcement of a pilot solar project in the Dhofar governorate, the renewables sector could soon enjoy a period of strong private expansion, underpinned by targeted government spending and open ownership models, as the country seeks to implement the Vision 2020 goal…

Interview

Omar Al Wahaibi, CEO, Electricity Holding Company: Interview
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Interview:Omar Al Wahaibi How would you assess the feasibility of privatising aspects of the utilities sector? OMAR AL WAHAIBI: The power generation segment of the utilities sector is privatised by law. It is mandatory for all new water and power generation projects to be floated to the private sector. Old power plants will be decommissioned, so there is no point in privatising them, but all new plants and projects will be private. The objective is to encourage more participation and to enable…