US-based GlassPoint Solar, a leading supplier of solar energy to the oil and gas industry, said it has signed a deal with Occidental of Oman for the development of a 2 GW solar thermal energy plant at the Mukhaizna oilfield in the sultanate.

As the lead developer of the proposed project, GlassPoint would deploy its proven solar technology to produce up to 100,000 barrels of solar steam per day.

On completion, the solar steam would be purchased by Occidental and used for facilitating production of heavy oil, said a statement from the company.

With preliminary studies complete, engineering work has now commenced to define the project scope and field integration plans, it added.

Omani Minister of Oil and Gas Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhi said: "As we continue to diversify the country's economy and develop the renewable energy sector, we are also identifying ways to save our natural gas resources."

"Oman’s vast heavy oilfields present one of the largest opportunities to deploy solar energy and conserve gas, which can instead be used to fuel industries and generate power. We’re pleased to see this progress between Occidental of Oman and GlassPoint, which can deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits to the sultanate," he added.

Operating in Oman for more than 30 years, Occidental of Oman is the largest independent oil producer in the country. At the Mukhaizna field, Occidental of Oman has implemented one of the world’s largest steam flood projects for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

GlassPoint’s solar steam generators use large mirrors to concentrate sunlight and boil oilfield water into steam. Occidental of Oman would purchase the steam under a long-term off-take agreement, providing a cost-effective, zero-emissions alternative to steam generated using natural gas.

The proposed solar project could save more than 800,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year, said the statement from GlassPoint Solar.

Occidental Petroleum’s global strategy includes active investment in CO2 EOR and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), as well as other emissions-reducing technologies.

Steve Kelly, the president and general manager of Occidental of Oman said: "We are excited about working with GlassPoint to enhance our environmental stewardship in Oman and strengthen Occidental’s position in the lower-carbon economy."

"This is a strategic opportunity for us to tap into solar as a sustainable source of energy in order to minimize the carbon footprint of our operations," he stated.

GlassPoint Solar CEO Steven Moss said: "We are looking forward to building on our success with another major solar project in Oman. Occidental of Oman’s interest shows the scale of opportunity renewables can play in reducing the energy use and environmental impact of oil production."

"We’re pleased to work with Occidental of Oman to grow Oman’s solar industry and the global market for solar powered oil production," he added.-TradeArabia News Service