PDO launches green energy competition for SMEs

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has launched a competition aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their development in the key area of energy management.

The Estedama (Sustainability) contest is part of a broader support strategy by PDO to help and incentivise Omani entrepreneurs to play a more active role in the “green” economy.

The cash-prize competition will be open to registered members of Riyada, (the Public Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development). Businesses will be asked to submit one-page proposals that could benefit the public or private sector by 10 September in one of three areas: energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy, such as solar. Full details can be found on the PDO website www.pdo.co.om and on the Company’s social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.

The competition will be judged by a joint PDO-Riyada panel with the first three winners scooping a cash prize. The contest is part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two organisations on Oman Environment Day in January to encourage local SMEs to play a bigger role in the energy management market.

PDO is also delivering a tailor-made development programme called Tazeez (Enhance) to boost SME capabilities. The five-month training scheme will be delivered by the Company’s own experts and will cover various PDO business requirements such as vendor registration, business ethics, PDO’s tendering process, quality assurance, financial management, as well as health, safety and environment requirements and Lean business efficiency.

This year, it will be aimed at around 40 SMEs specialising in renewable energy.

PDO Managing Director Raoul Restucci said: “There is a fantastic opportunity for Omani SMEs to play a greater role in the sustainable energy sector as the economy diversifies and transitions away from an over-reliance on fossil fuels.

“Working with Riyada, PDO is doing all it can to encourage these businesses to contribute to the drive to help the nation become more energy efficient and protect the environment.”