All warehouses and industrial units in Oman should install solar panels to run their operations, and achieve self-sufficiency in energy generation, said a senior Omani ministry official.

All factories coming up in Samayil and Nizwa, along with the ministry’s expansions in Suhar, Raysut and in South Al Batinah logistics hub should have renewable energy panels atop their buildings, Dr Ali bin Masoud al Sunaidy, Minister of Commerce and Industry, was quoted as saying in an Oman Daily Observer report.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of a renewable energy programme, ‘Sahim’, Dr Al Sunaidy said those warehouses that install panels can avail of loans for the purpose from Oman Development Bank (ODB) and other banks.

He added that the nation has a renewable energy strategy that envisages SMEs producing solar energy and sharing it with the rest.

Dr Al Sunaidy further noted that there is huge potential for SMEs in the country. They have capability and technology for generating own power. Companies, factories and warehouses will get the benefit of tapping into the cheapest cost at night, which will ultimately benefit their business.