Muscat: The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) has announced the implementation of 10 future projects and initiatives in the fields of energy, renewable energy, water, and wastewater to support the Sultanate of Oman's efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions and the targets of Oman Vision 2040, in cooperation with government departments and licensed companies. This was unveiled at an annual media gathering organized by APSR under the auspices of Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
According to Oman News Agency, Dr. Mansour bin Talib Al Hinai, APSR Chairman, stated that the authority is revising the costs of service sectors to ensure the sectors' governance aligns with plans to reduce the value of government subsidy. Dr. Mansour announced that future initiatives include projects like maximizing benefits from Wadi Dhaiqah Dam, a feasibility study for geothermal energy, and exploiting waste in energy as biofuel for cement. Additionally, there will be projects to produce solar power through community stations and a regulatory framework for energy transmission.
The initiatives also include a study to launch competition in electricity supply, support for scholarships in sustainability, and a programme for companies to cover fees for electrical licenses for Omani citizens. A 3-year training programme is also planned for technicians to obtain certified electrician licenses. Dr. Mansour reviewed performance standards, noting a 9 percent rise in renewable energy production in Oman in 2024.
Dr. Mansour highlighted the Authority's compliance achievements in the electricity sector, with 95 percent of 2024 targets met, a 75 percent rise in beneficiary satisfaction, and a 97 percent rate of continuous water flow. The transition plan until 2030 includes sustainable energy projects like Dhofar 1 wind energy and Ibri 2 solar energy projects. Future projects planned for 2027 to 2030 include various solar and wind energy projects across Oman.
He mentioned that APSR reduced the average timeframe for electricity and water connections to homes and raised the treated wastewater percentage. The electricity and water sectors' contribution to GDP increased to 2.5 percent in 2024, with investments in regulated sectors totaling about RO 2.837 billion. The breakdown includes significant contributions from electricity distribution, transmission, and generation sectors, as well as the natural gas and water sectors.
Dr. Mansour noted a 98.5 percent Omanization rate among licensed companies and the endorsement of regulatory frameworks in subscriber rights, service reliability and quality, and security and safety. He emphasized regulations prohibiting service cuts during critical times.
Khalfan bin Nasser Al Bartamani, Head of Commercial Affairs at Nama Electricity Distribution, detailed strategic projects in the water sector, including supply lines and water transmission enhancements. He revealed that the cost of electricity sector projects from 2020 to 2024 stood at RO 1.785 billion and highlighted subscriber growth rates in the electricity, water, and natural gas sectors. He also noted high rates of actual readings and smart meter conversions in both electricity and water sectors.