Miraah solar deployment for Oman oilfield

Oman’s largest oil and gas producer Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has announced plans to construct a 1021MW solar thermal plant Miraah to explore oil at Amal oilfield in southern parts of the country.

GlassPoint Solar has been appointed as the developer for the facility which will utilise rays from the sun to generate steam. The steam will be used in thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR) to extract heavy and viscous oil from the site.

On an average, the project will be able to generate 6,000 tons of steam every day for oil production.

"It also will displace diesel and higher carbon intensive power generation and oil burning in future thermal projects."

The project will showcase the use of solar power in the oil and gas industry, and will offer a sustainable solution for EOR steam, which is presently derived from natural gas.

Once operational, the facility will be able to conserve 5.6 trillion British Thermal Units (BTUs) of natural gas per year, enough to meet residential power requirements of 209,000 people in Oman.

PDO managing director Raoul Restucci said: "The project will provide a significant portion of the steam demand at Amal and is an important part of PDO’s production plans.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

"The use of solar for oil recovery is a long-term strategic solution to develop PDO’s viscous oil portfolio and reduce consumption of valuable natural gas, which is needed elsewhere to diversify Oman’s economy and create economic growth.

"It also will displace diesel and higher carbon intensive power generation and oil burning in future thermal projects.

"PDO has been a pioneering force in EOR for a number of years and it will play an increasingly important part in the Company’s portfolio, accounting for around a third of our production by 2023."

Image: Rendering of 1021MW solar thermal facility Miraah in South Oman. Photo: courtesy of GlassPoint Solar, Inc.