Solar and wind energy prospects in Oman

Oman and even the GCC region lack accurate data and information about the potential use of renewable energies. Oman has so far 30 meteorological stations providing measurement of ground wind speed and only 9 stations providing data on solar radiation. So far very little research has been conducted on Oman's prospect to use renewable energies such as wind and solar energies. The proposed research project will investigate the solar and wind energy prospects in Oman through analysis of wide geographical and meteorological data and development of models and maps. The project is planned for four consecutive years and will involve investigators from Sultan Qaboos University, and partners from Public organizations (Ministry of Environment Climatic Affairs and ministry of Transport Communications, and Authority for Electricity Regulations) and International organizations (e.g. NREL in USA), two technicians from SQU, one PhD student and several undergraduate students from SQU. The outcomes of this research will be very useful to the country and will be used as accurate and trustful references in different categories: research and consultancy, economical growth and energy planning, and business/investment planning. At the same time it will develop expertise and more awareness about renewable energies in Oman.