Unlocking Savings: SOHAR Port and Freezone’s New Industrial Energy Efficiency Guide for Omani Businesses
MUSCAT: SOHAR Port and Freezone has partnered with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals to launch an Energy Efficiency Guide for Industrial Buildings, designed to optimize operational performance and minimize costs within its industrial ecosystem.
The guide was officially introduced by Mohsen bin Hamad al Hadhrami, the Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. It provides a structured framework that enables investors to assess energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and implement targeted improvements at the facility level.
This technical reference outlines defined methodologies and key performance indicators that focus on cooling efficiency, energy consumption, water heating intensity, and the performance of lighting, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. These metrics aim to facilitate informed operational and investment decisions.
Al Hadhrami emphasized the significance of such practical tools in advancing the transformation of the energy sector. He noted that they play a critical role in reducing consumption, enhancing efficiency, and lowering operating costs within industrial facilities.
Dr. Abdullah bin Sulaiman al Abri, Vice President of Sustainability and Acting Director of Health, Safety, Security and Environment at SOHAR Port and Freezone, highlighted that buildings—including offices, warehouses, and workshops—represent a substantial portion of industrial energy consumption. He pointed out that this guide presents clear opportunities for efficiency improvements, offering a unified framework that translates technical standards into measurable outcomes. This initiative underscores Sohar’s commitment to sustainable industrial growth.
Engineer Mohsen bin Sulaiman al Jabri, Director General of the Oman Zero Neutrality Centre, stated that the guide has the potential to achieve energy savings of 15 to 20 percent within relatively short payback periods, making it a scalable solution to support the Sultanate’s emissions reduction goals.
The framework is based on internationally recognized standards, such as ASHRAE 90.1 and 105, the IPMVP protocol for performance measurement, and ISO 6946 for thermal efficiency. It is also in alignment with the Omani Building Code and occupational safety regulations as outlined in Ministerial Decision No. 286/2008, further supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
This initiative reinforces SOHAR Port and Freezone’s broader strategy to promote sustainable industrial development, enhance competitiveness, and attract investments that align with low-emission market requirements.
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The launch of the Energy Efficiency Guide for Industrial Buildings by SOHAR Port and Freezone represents a pivotal shift towards sustainable industrial practices in Oman. Businesses can leverage this framework to enhance operational performance, resulting in substantial cost savings and improved competitiveness within the energy market. Investors should consider this initiative a strategic opportunity, as it not only supports compliance with Oman Vision 2040 but also aligns with global sustainability trends, potentially increasing attractiveness for funding and partnerships in the evolving low-emission economy.
