Muscat – The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) signed a memorandum of cooperation on Tuesday with OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) to implement an Energy Excellence Programme.

This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions across economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities, and to support the implementation of the national strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The memorandum also seeks to explore potential areas of collaboration in identifying and implementing energy efficiency initiatives and obtaining relevant certifications.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of OPAZ by H E Eng Ahmed bin Hassan al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of OPAZ, and on behalf of OQAE by Najla al Jamali, CEO of OQAE.

Areas of cooperation under the agreement include: providing support and consultancy services for energy efficiency assessments and the decarbonisation of selected technical and non-technical assets owned by OPAZ; identifying and implementing energy efficiency improvement projects through performance contracting where mutually agreed; supporting and advising the Authority in obtaining ISO 50001 certification in energy management; and offering consultancy services to develop an energy strategy for OPAZ.

Eng Mazin bin Mansour al Balushi, Head of the Technical Studies Section at OPAZ, stated that the Authority places high importance on environmental preservation and carbon emission reduction across the economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities under its supervision. The implementation of the Energy Excellence Programme aligns with these objectives.

He emphasised that the signing of the memorandum reflects OPAZ’s commitment to achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in the priority area of environment and natural resources. He noted that in recent years, the Authority has signed several agreements and memoranda of cooperation to establish projects in green hydrogen, green ammonia, green steel, and direct reduced iron – highlighting its dedication to promoting environmental sustainability in line with national goals.

Balushi further explained that the Energy Excellence Programme will help optimise energy usage in the economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities, and will positively contribute to fostering innovation and developing human capital in areas under the Authority’s oversight.

OQAE provides a wide range of consulting services and solutions in energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy to various companies within the OQ Group, as well as to external clients. Energy Excellence Programmes are among the environmental sustainability initiatives gaining increasing global attention due to their significant economic and ecological benefits.