MUSCAT, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- GlassPoint Solar, Oman's largest solar project, has completed the first phase of its solar plant to deliver steam to Petroleum Development, Oman's heavy oil field at Amal West, according to a press release Wednesday.
Upon completion, the solar project (called Miraah) will be among the world's largest solar plants delivering 1,021 megawatts (MW) of peak thermal energy to generate 6,000 tonnes of steam per day used for heavy oil production.
"The safe and successful delivery of solar steam into our network at Amal is a significant milestone for the Miraah project and a major step towards transforming the energy landscape in Oman," said Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) managing director Raoul Restucci.
Unlike solar panels that generate electricity, GlassPoint's solution uses large mirrors to concentrate sunlight and boil oil field water directly into steam. The steam is used for the extraction of viscous or heavy oil as an alternative to steam generated from natural gas.
"Solar-powered oil production is a sustainable, long-term solution to meet the Sultanate's future energy demand and utilise its natural resources most efficiently," he added.
"GlassPoint, our staff and sub-contractors have worked tirelessly for more than 1.5 million man-hours without a Lost Time Injury, while continuing to drive efficiency across all facets of project construction and commissioning.
Miraah is a real statement of intent from PDO as we begin the transition away from an exclusive focus on oil and gas to becoming a fully-fledged energy company with a greater focus on renewable energy," Restucci said.
GlassPoint's solar technology was specifically designed to harness the sun's energy to generate the steam required for thermal enhanced oil recovery (EOR), seamlessly integrating into existing oil field operations.
The natural gas saved by using GlassPoint's technology can be exported or directed toward higher-value applications, such as power generation or industrial development, diversifying the economy.
"This project is helping put Oman on the global solar energy map, creating new jobs and developing expertise in solar technology innovation, project deployment and manufacturing," said Ben Bierman, chief operating officer and chief executive officer of GlassPoint.
