AER outlines support mechanisms for rooftop solar systems

Business Reporter -

MUSCAT, MAY 15 -

The Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) has published a consultation paper on Support Mechanisms for Residential Small-Scale Grid-Connected Solar PV Systems. The paper explains why the Authority believes a residential PV initiative should be implemented, the potential benefits, and how the proposal might be shaped and structured to help Oman make better and more efficient use of an available and valuable renewable resource.

Qais Saud al Zakwani (pictured), Executive Director of AER, commented, “We are keen to solicit the views of customers, industry participants, stakeholders and interested persons on this important initiative undertaken by the Authority. Significant emphasis was afforded to utilising data in Oman, including actual residential electricity consumption, electricity hourly system demand profiles, measured solar irradiance, and the volume, cost and emissions of natural gas used to generate electricity.”

He added, “We also considered multiple perspectives when considering a number of incentives for market participants. The consultation document published today provides the basis for the proposed support mechanisms considered by the Authority and we believe that the Residential PV Initiative, if carefully implemented on a sufficient scale, could help alleviate gas supply constraints and diversify the fuel mix.”