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In a significant move towards renewable energy leadership, the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre (OCEC) has partnered with TotalEnergies to launch a landmark rooftop solar photovoltaic project. The initiative features an expansive 4.6-megawatt-peak (MWp) system designed to generate over 7,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity each year, fulfilling an estimated 25% of the venue’s total energy requirements.
The project, which reached a formal agreement in March 2024, represents a core component of OCEC’s strategy to achieve net-zero energy consumption and reinforces Oman’s national commitment to sustainability. The installation covers an impressive 16,600 square meters of rooftop space across the Atrium and Exhibition Halls, an area equivalent to two football pitches, and utilizes 8,300 state-of-the-art solar modules.
Image: Collected
Strategic Alignment: OCEC Advances Sustainability with Major Solar Energy Project
OCEC CEO Said Salim al Shanfari highlighted that this investment directly supports His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s vision for a green future. The project is a key element in Oman’s broader ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and aligns with the long-term objectives of Oman Vision 2040. Supported by the OMRAN Group, this initiative complements OCEC’s existing sustainability credentials, including its LEED Gold certification and waste recycling programs.
Advanced Technology Driving Efficiency Gains at OCEC
The collaboration with TotalEnergies Renewables DG MEA extends beyond the installation of solar panels. It incorporates an integrated energy optimization framework complete with smart grid technology. This advanced system uses sensors and sophisticated monitoring to enable real-time control over energy consumption, which is expected to enhance the building’s thermal and energy efficiency by over 20%. By minimizing waste and maximizing performance, OCEC is setting a new regional benchmark for sustainable infrastructure management.
Economic and Community Impact of OCEC’s Solar Project
Scheduled for completion by the end of 2024 and full operation in early 2025, the project is poised to deliver substantial benefits beyond environmental stewardship. It will reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels while creating local employment opportunities throughout its construction, installation, and ongoing maintenance phases. Furthermore, the high-profile initiative serves as a powerful, tangible example of renewable energy adoption, aiming to educate the public and inspire other organizations to follow suit, solidifying Oman’s position as a leader in the green transition.
Sources
- Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre Partners With …
- Electric co-op taps Oregon solar grid – Methow Valley News
- TotalEnergies and OCEC officially commission a landmark solar …
- Week In MiddleEast: Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre …
- OCEC: Pioneering Sustainable Event Hosting
- 25% of Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre’s energy now … – CMW
- First major roof-top solar project launched at OCEC – Oman Observer
- TotalEnergies, OCEC Commission a Landmark Solar Rooftop Project
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