Sohar Port and Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with Shell Development Oman (SDO), a move in which businesses in Sohar Freezone to be powered by solar photovoltaic (PV) projects instead of gas
The partnership is expected to implement sustainable solar-powered solutions that are first-of-its-kind in Oman, according to Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO of Sohar Port and Freezone.
As reported in Times of Oman, he added, ?We have already begun implementing to transform our 4,500 ha development into a ?green Freezone.? We hope that the changes we are implementing today will encourage current clients and future investors to adopt cleaner technologies and sustainable practices tomorrow.?
Under the terms of the agreement, Sohar Port and Freezone will allocate 600 ha of land for solar plants under development, with capacities ranging from 10MW to 40MW, said the source.
The 25MW project focuses on providing supply to Al Tamman Indsil Ferrochrome, and the entire development is expected to create economic value for the nation and the companies within the freezone, the source further added.
Chris Breeze, country chairman at SDO, added, ?Shaping a more sustainable energy future for Oman is everybody?s responsibility. It requires us to work towards reducing emissions, tackling climate change and ultimately changing the way energy is produced and efficiently consumed.?
?These solar PV projects will free up natural gas resources for better economic use, support the green agenda of the Sohar Freezone and enable further economic development in Sohar, by unlocking large scale solar opportunities,? Breeze added.
