Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has signed research and development agreements with Sohar and A’sharqiyah Universities to help resolve some of its complex technical challenges in the areas of enhanced oil recovery, water management and energy efficiency
PDO and the universities will also work together to encourage Omani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs to carry out their basic technological research, test-proof their conceptual thoughts and innovative ideas and develop early-stage technology in the universities’ laboratories prior to any potential future commercial agreements.
PDO will assist with the establishment of technology centres at both universities. Its own experts will be given access to these research hubs and run and develop teaching programmes.
The agreements will run for three years and also pave the way for PDO staff to enrol on BSc, MSc and PhD degrees and other courses at the universities.
Additionally, PDO and the academic institutions will exchange best practices on health, safety and environment (HSE), Lean efficiency programmes and governance frameworks. The company will also become a member of the universities’ advisory boards.
PDO External Affairs and Value Creation director Abdul-Amir Al Ajmi said, “PDO is working hard to establish technology clusters across Oman with key research partners who can help us to address some of our key challenges. These collaborations not only give us access to innovative solutions and the best technology and tools but also enable students to learn more about the needs of the Sultanate’s economy and their potential employers. This partnership is a win-win for the national oil and gas sector and Omani academia.”
As part of its endeavour to broaden collaboration and facilitate more joint R&D projects, PDO signed similar agreements with the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) and Innovation Park Muscat last year.
The company also recently ratified a joint research and development protocol with the Ministry of Oil and Gas and The Research Council to bridge the gap between Oman’s energy industry and academia and is seen as an important step towards building a vibrant research ecosystem within the country that can help PDO sustain output through to 2040 and beyond.
