Spotlight on renewable/alternative energy source usage at Gulf Eco 2013

On a global outlook alternative energy supply is expected to grow at 7.5% annually while the market share of the alternative energy sources is set to increase from 8% currently to over 20% by 2030 as cited by the MTI report.

Renewable energy comes from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and can replace conventional fuels in the area of power generation, heating and transport fuels.

Blessed in abundance with natural elements and a strategic geographical location, Oman in particular has immense opportunity in this regard, which will be explored in greater detail at Gulf Eco 2013 taking place from 20th -22nd January, 2013 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre as announced by OITE Trade Fairs, under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs

Increasing efforts have been made within the region to increase the proportion of renewable energy in total power production, in keeping with His Majesty's decree by way of Vision 2020 to produce 10% of its total electricity requirement from renewable energy resources by 2020. At present Oman is investing $2.9bn in 13 new power, water and energy projects which will be completed by 2014.

Oman in particular is looking towards solar and wind power as source options to reduce dependency on its oil and gas sector. On one hand sources report that Oman has invested in concentrated-solar-power technology, with low-output - 10-50 megawatt - demonstration projects planned and larger facilities producing as much as 200 megawatts possible and is becoming a hot hub for solar energy investment having received $2bn investment by Terra Nex Financial Engineering AG Switzerland (Terra Nex), in collaboration with Middle East Best Select (MEBS) Group of Funds between mid January 2012.

On the other had the potential of wind energy production has been outlined in OPWP's 7 year outlook for power generation and desalinated water supply in Oman for the time period 2012-2018 and two wind energy-based pilots, each of 3 MW capacity, have been located at Masirah and Thamrait.

The Gulf Eco Expo 2013 in supporting the country's movement towards a future of clean energy will display a range of the latest services and solutions related to the environment, water technologies, power and renewable energy and wind energy. The Gulf Eco Conference 2013 will also be taking part alongside the Expo from 21st-22nd January, 2013 at the Golden Tulip Hotel under the theme Harnessing the potential of Oman's Renewable Energy.