GlassPoint Solar, the leading supplier of solar energy for the oil and gas industry, sponsored and participated in the first Environmental Oman Forum.

Representing GlassPoint at the event was the company’s Project Development Analyst, Siddiqa Al Lawati. She participated in a panel discussion along with a host of industry experts from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, Bea’h, Haya Water and Petroleum Development Oman. 

Together, they discussed the application of sustainability practices in the energy, recycling and biofuel sectors, as well as future challenges and opportunities for Oman’s environment.

Al Lawati also explained how GlassPoint’s technology has been specifically developed to minimize the environmental impacts associated with oil production, noting, “In the commonly used thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) process that is applied to heavy oil production, steam is used in substantial volumes to facilitate pumping viscous oil to the surface. To produce this steam, natural gas, a precious limited resource, is used as a burning fuel. This technique releases harmful carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, negatively impacting the environment and polluting the air we breathe.”

She added, “In contrast, GlassPoint’s technology harnesses the sun's free and clean energy to boil water and produce this steam. As it does so, it produces zero emissions, while also helping operators reduce their energy consumption by up to 80 per cent. On top of that, GlassPoint is contributing to ongoing efforts to position Oman as a hub for solar energy technologies in the region, thereby contributing to economic development and diversification, job creation, and national progress.”

“Reducing environmental impact with clean and sustainable solutions is at the core of what we do,” Al Lawati stated.

She added, “According to the International Energy Agency, world energy demand is likely to grow by some 35 per cent by 2035; therefore, we must remain steadfast in developing innovative technologies for the safe and sustainable exploration and production of oil and gas. A true example of this approach is our Miraah project with PDO, which is going to be one of the world’s largest solar plants. The landmark 1,021 megawatt thermal project that is currently under construction is setting a compelling and an unprecedented case of how renewable energy can support the traditional energy industries and minimize their carbon footprint. On completion, Miraah will help remove 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere each year, the equivalent of taking 63,000 cars off the road. This is a globally significant milestone in sustainable oil recovery.”

GlassPoint is the world’s leading provider of solar steam generators. Its unique design integrates a proven solar parabolic trough, a commercial greenhouse structure, and standard oilfield components used in commercial EOR operations today. The greenhouse protects the solar collectors and other vulnerable components from harsh desert conditions. In addition, GlassPoint’s system is highly water-efficient, a feature unique to GlassPoint’s enclosed solar technology and an additional green component of the design. Beyond EOR, GlassPoint technology has the potential for use in other oilfield applications that require steam, including produced water treatment, power generation, desalination, and heaters.

Source: Timesofoman