Muscat: Sultan Qaboos University will open tomorrow the laboratory of the Sustainable Energy Research Centre, in a step that reflects the University's orientation towards enhancing scientific research and innovation in the fields of sustainable energy, and supporting strategic partnerships with the industrial sector.
The opening of the laboratory will be held under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, in the presence of H.H. Sayyid Dr. Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, President of the University.
The establishment of the laboratory comes within the framework of the strategic partnership between Sultan Qaboos University and Oxy Oman, with a total value of nearly RO 1.5 million, reflecting the keenness of both sides to support scientific research, development and innovation, and enhance research and technical capabilities in the fields of sustainable energy.
The laboratory extends over a total area of about 774 square meters, to form an integrated research and training platform that contributes to building national capacities and developing technical solutions in the energy sector.
The laboratory includes a set of specialized units and labs, including the Alternative Fuel Lab, Energy Materials Lab, Energy Efficiency Lab, Thermal Energy Lab, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage and Hydrogen Lab, in addition to the Smart Grids and Modelling and Simulation of Renewable Energy Systems Lab, and the Energy Studio dedicated to training and capacity building in the fields of sustainable energy.
The laboratory seeks to enhance national research and technical capabilities, develop innovative solutions to energy-related challenges, expand areas of cooperation between the University and the industrial sector, in addition to qualifying and training national competencies, contributing to supporting the energy transition in the Sultanate of Oman and keeping pace with national trends towards sustainability and achieving net-zero targets.
The project also comes as an extension of the mission of the Sustainable Energy Research Centre at Sultan Qaboos University in the fields of scientific research, training and consultations, and providing scientific and technical support to various sectors, enhancing the University's role in developing knowledge and employing scientific research outputs to serve national priorities.
The laboratory represents a qualitative addition to the research infrastructure at the University, and embodies the importance of partnership between higher education institutions and the industrial sector in providing a supportive environment for innovation, developing sustainable technologies, and preparing national competencies capable of contributing to the future of energy in the Sultanate of Oman.