MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has taken a decisive step towards achieving its net-zero goals with the launch of the National Energy Efficiency Programme (Kafa’a) — a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to certify Omani professionals as energy auditors under international standards.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), the programme aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and global climate frameworks such as the Paris Agreement.
The six-week intensive course trains 50 participants to earn the prestigious Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) accreditation, issued by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). The curriculum combines classroom learning, hands-on projects at SQU facilities and field audits, ensuring participants are equipped with both theoretical and practical expertise.
Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, described the initiative as “a strategic investment in national human capital”, adding that certified auditors will play a vital role in improving energy performance across government and industry sectors.
“Each participant will emerge as a qualified energy efficiency expert capable of reducing costs, emissions and energy waste”, he said. “This initiative strengthens Oman’s transition towards a low-carbon economy”.
The programme also reflects close institutional collaboration — SQU’s Sustainable Energy Research Centre oversees training design and logistics, while government ministries provide policy and funding support.
Engineer Mohsen bin Sulaiman al Jabri, Director General of the Oman Centre for Net Zero, emphasised that “Kafa’a” represents a cornerstone of Oman’s strategy to build domestic capacity for sustainability.
“This initiative demonstrates Oman’s leadership in sustainable development, empowering local talent to drive the transition towards a green economy”, he said. “It is through their skills and dedication that we will realise our vision of net-zero by 2050”. — ONA
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