GlassPoint Solar and Occidental of Oman have signed a MoU agreement aiming to lead to a large solar thermal energy plant, exceeding two gigawatts, at the Mukhaizna oilfield in Oman
Under the terms of the agreement, GlassPoint would deploy its solar technology to produce up to 100,000 barrels of solar steam per day. The solar steam would be purchased by Occidental and used to facilitate production of heavy oil. With preliminary studies complete, engineering work has now commenced defining the project scope and field integration plans.
Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhi, Omani minister of oil and gas, said, “As we continue to diversify Oman’s economy and develop the renewable energy sector, we are also identifying ways to save our natural gas resources.”
This progress between Occidental of Oman and GlassPoint aims to deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits to the sultanate, Al Rumhi added.
Operating in Oman for more than 30 years, Occidental of Oman is one of the largest independent oil producers 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).
The company would purchase GlassPoint’s solar steam generators under a long-term off-take agreement, providing a cost-effective, zero-emissions alternative to steam generated using natural gas. The proposed solar project is seen to save more than 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.
Occidental Petroleum’s global strategy includes active investment in CO2 EOR and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), as well as other emissions-reducing technologies. This low emissions energy utilisation project and approach is one aspect being explored and commercialised by Occidental’s Low Carbon Ventures business unit in partnership with asset teams across their global operations.
This project is also set to enable technical learning and commercialisation success to promote similar projects in other areas to help reduce Occidental’s global carbon footprint.
