Muscat:The Sustainable Energy Research Centre Laboratory at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has officially opened, marking a significant step towards enhancing the integration of scientific research, innovation, and national capacity building. The opening ceremony was attended by Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
According to Oman News Agency, this initiative is the result of a strategic partnership between Sultan Qaboos University and Oxy Oman, with a total investment of nearly RO 1.5 million. The laboratory spans approximately 774 square meters and aims to boost the national research infrastructure. It serves as an integrated platform for developing innovative technologies and solutions in sustainable energy, strengthening research and technical capabilities, and fostering cooperation between academic and industrial institutions.
The laboratory is equipped with specialized research units focusing on areas such as alternative fuels, energy materials, energy efficiency, thermal energy, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and hydrogen. It also features a smart grids and renewable energy systems modeling and simulation laboratory, along with a dedicated studio for training and capacity building. These facilities are designed to enable scientific research to be translated into practical solutions that improve sector efficiency and sustainability.
In parallel, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, represented by the Oman Sustainability Centre, has signed an agreement with Sultan Qaboos University to implement the second edition of the "Kafa'a" (Efficiency) training program over three years. The agreement, signed by Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi and HH Sayyid Dr. Fahad Al Julanda Al Said, aims to train 275 participants in energy auditing and 20 in measurement and verification, while incubating at least three national teams to develop specialized solutions and startups in energy efficiency.
The Minister emphasized that investing in scientific research, innovation, and national capacity building is vital for the energy sector's development and sustainability. The new laboratory and the renewal of the "Kafa'a" program agreement illustrate this strategic focus by linking scientific research with practical application and fostering the development of Omani talents.
Prof. Amer Saif Al Hinai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research at SQU, highlighted that the laboratory is a pivotal step in the ongoing collaboration between the university and various national sectors. It reflects a commitment to supporting scientific research and innovation and to qualifying national talents in alignment with Oman’s strategic priorities, particularly in the energy sector.
The new laboratory is expected to enhance SQU's efforts by providing a conducive environment for research and training, allowing researchers and trainees to leverage specialized equipment and technologies. This will aid in the development of scientific and practical skills, supporting the translation of knowledge into applications that meet sector needs.
Eng. Mohsin Al Jabri, Director General of the Oman Sustainability Centre, noted that expanding energy efficiency projects necessitates building a specialized national base of expertise and services. The "Kafa'a" program supports this by aligning qualification with practical demands and enhancing the capability of Omani talents to deliver economically viable solutions with measurable impacts on reducing consumption and emissions.
Overall, the inauguration of the laboratory and the renewal of the "Kafa'a" program agreement exemplify the integration of scientific research, professional qualification, and entrepreneurship. They reinforce partnerships between academic, government, and sectoral entities, deploying modern knowledge and technologies to build national capabilities and create investment opportunities, contributing to Oman’s economic diversification and sustainability goals.