Oman's first solar-powered service station opens

Muscat: Shell Oman opened its first solar-powered service station in the Sultanate in Mukhaizna, Al Wusta Governorate, as an initial phase of its “Solar Into Stations” project, which was launched in the third quarter of 2017, with more sites planned in Muscat to be announced this year.
The installation of the solar system at Shell Mukhaizna Service Station is expected to contribute to the reduction of the site’s carbon footprint by approximately 900 tonnes in an average of 25 years.
Through a tender, Shell Oman awarded the project to Continental Shelf of Solar Tech, an Omani enterprise, to provide the solar system technology at the Mukhaizna Service Station after successfully completing a Shell Intilaaqah training course on the fundamentals of Solar Photovoltaic Technology.
Speaking on the occasion, Khalid Hashil Al Awaisi, retail country manager at Shell Oman, said: “Through our strategically positioned Shell Service Stations, we continue to look for opportunities to create value in the communities we are a part of. This solar project demonstrates that, by encouraging renewable energy solutions.”
“The Solar Into Stations project will help support the growth and development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman in their energy transition journey, and our partnership with Continental Shelf of Solar Tech is a great example of that,” he added.
The “Solar Into Stations” project comes in line with the company’s commitment towards corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the efforts dedicated to playing a proactive role in the progress of energy transition, while creating in-country value (ICV) through business opportunities for Omani enterprises
Commenting on the announcement, Majid Salim Al Alawi, general manager of Continental Shelf of Solar Tech, said: “Shell Oman’s commitment to energy transition inspired us as a start-up and encourages us in growing our business and creating new jobs.”
Continental Shelf of Solar Tech has recently been awarded by Riyada, the Public Authority for Development of SMEs, as one of the outstanding enterprises in Oman.