Oman explores sand-based thermal energy storage

MUSCAT, MAY 23
OQ Gas Networks (OQGN) — the Sultanate of Oman’s sole gas transmission operator — has engaged Omani renewable energy startup AB Energy to support the development of a thermal sand energy storage project, believed to be among the first initiatives of its kind in the country.
Majority state-owned OQGN, part of the OQ Group, announced that it has signed an engineering design contract with AB Energy for the sand-based thermal storage project, describing it as a “significant step towards advancing innovative and sustainable energy storage solutions”.
The agreement, signed during Oman Sustainability Week 2026, builds on an earlier MoU between the two parties to explore the development of zero-emission thermal heating systems using sand-based thermal energy storage technology. OQGN noted in its 2025 Annual Report that the initiative aligns with its commitment to advancing innovation and low-carbon solutions within its operations.
According to energy experts, sand-based thermal storage — often referred to internationally as a “sand battery” — is a form of thermal energy storage in which sand or silica-based materials are heated using renewable electricity and used to store energy as heat over long durations. Rather than storing electricity directly, as in lithium-ion batteries, the system stores energy in the form of high-temperature heat, which can later be released for industrial heating, steam generation, or other process applications.
Sand is considered an attractive storage medium due to its low cost, wide availability, non-toxic nature and strong ability to retain heat with relatively low thermal losses over extended periods. Unlike electrochemical batteries, thermal sand systems are particularly suited to industrial applications that require continuous high-temperature heat rather than electricity.
Commenting on the agreement, Abdullah al Saidi, Founder and CEO of AB Energy, said the contract marks “the transition from the proof-of-concept and basic design phase into detailed engineering for one of the region’s innovative thermal energy storage solutions”.
Founded in 2024, Muscat-based AB Energy focuses on mobile solar solutions, integrated microgrids and emerging thermal energy storage technologies.
At Oman Sustainability Week 2026, AB Energy also signed an agreement with Al Ghalbi Group to develop a 4-MWh solar power project in Mukhaizna, designed to supply a residential camp for more than 250 people with clean energy supported by battery storage systems.
Additionally, the company signed an agreement with National Finance to secure financing facilities for the development and deployment of solar power projects, supporting the acceleration of renewable energy adoption in Oman.