Wood, the global consulting and engineering company, recently completed its role as owner’s engineer on Oman Shell’s 1st utility-scale, photovoltaic solar project in the Middle East, designed to cut emissions from industrial activities.

The development will supply renewable electricity to a huge ferrochrome production facility, displacing the equivalent gas-fired power generation taken from the grid and saving more than 25,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide emissions annually. The 25 MWp Qabas Solar Plant, consisting of more than 80,000 solar panels, is located within the Sohar Free zone in northern Oman.

The landmark project is focused on improving the utilisation, energy efficiency, and carbon intensity of energy production operations, accelerating solar energy development in The Sultanate of Oman and helping to meet growing demand for cleaner, more sustainable energy.

Joe Sczurko, Executive President of Wood’s consulting business, said: “We are overjoyed to have worked with Shell on the Qabas Solar Plant, an important investment in providing clean power to help decarbonise industrial processes in Oman.

“Wood is focused on supporting its clients through the global energy transition, and this milestone project supports Shell’s sustainability goals, aligns with Oman’s Vision of 2040, and advances the Sultanate’s national economic ambition.”

Since the year 2019, Wood has been providing engineering services throughout the pre-construction and construction phases of the project drawing on a wide range of skills and experience including owner’s engineering services, construction phase site planning, design review, and quality inspection and client support services.

This project was awarded following Wood’s work on Shell’s 27 MWp Moerdijk Solar Photovoltaic Plant. As 1 of the largest facilities of its kind in the Netherlands, it is generating power for the onsite chemical facility, which manufactures base chemicals from the petroleum fractions naphtha, gasoil, hydro wax and LPG.