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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Industrial units told to install solar panels

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By Kabeer Yousuf — MUSCAT: May 24 - All warehouses and industrial units in Oman should install solar panels to run their operations, and achieve self-sufficiency in energy generation, the Minister of Commerce and Industry has said. “All warehouses should have solar panels for their energy needs and to preserve and resell the same,” Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry, said. All factories coming up in Samayil and Nizwa, along with the ministry’s expansions in Suhar, Raysut and in South Al Batinah logistics hub should have renewable energy panels atop their buildings.


Speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of the launch of a renewable energy programme, ‘Sahim’, Dr Al Sunaidy said those warehouses that install panels can avail of loans for the purpose from Oman Development Bank (ODB) and other banks.


He said the nation has a renewable energy strategy that envisages SMEs producing solar energy and sharing it with the rest.


“There is huge potential for SMEs in the country. They have capability and technology for generating own power. Companies, factories and warehouses will get the benefit of tapping into the cheapest cost at night, which will ultimately benefit their business.”


The renewable energy project enables the people to produce electricity during peak time — 1 pm to 5 pm — when the country receives a lot of sunlight.


If they don’t need it, they can transfer it to the grid, which is highly cost-effective and use it later.


They can buy from the grid at a cost which is quite cheap.


“I think this is a good initiative because it allows businesses to reduce power consumption especially during peak time. It is a great initiative as it allows companies to use parking areas and redundant spaces to produce electricity.”


“By 2020, solar energy can be traded and the state can think of offering more incentives. I hope people see this as a great opportunity and come forward,” he added.


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