SOHAR Port and Freezone, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and its Oman Net Zero Centre, has introduced a comprehensive Energy Efficiency Guideline for SOHAR Industrial Buildings. This initiative establishes a structured framework designed to empower industrial tenants within the port and freezone ecosystem to enhance their energy performance, achieve significant reductions in operating costs, and bolster overall operational resilience.

The guideline provides a clear methodology for assessing building energy performance, pinpointing areas of inefficiency, and implementing targeted improvement measures at the facility level. It incorporates crucial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that cover essential aspects such as cooling setpoints, energy use intensity, water heating energy intensity, and the performance of lighting, air conditioning, and mechanical ventilation systems. This ensures that operational and investment decisions are informed by robust data.

Adhering to internationally recognized standards, including ASHRAE 90.1, ASHRAE 105, IPMVP, and ISO 6946, the framework also aligns with Oman’s Building Code and occupational health and safety regulations, as stipulated by Ministerial Decree 286/2008.

This initiative strongly supports the strategic objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in advancing industrial productivity, fostering economic diversification, and developing resilient infrastructure. Furthermore, it contributes significantly to Oman’s overarching decarbonization agenda.

Eng. Mohsen Al Jabri, Director General of the Oman Net Zero Centre, highlighted the guideline’s practical value, stating that it is capable of facilitating energy savings of 15% to 20% with relatively short payback periods, presenting it as a scalable and effective model for industrial facilities.

Dr. Abdullah Al Abri, Vice President of Sustainability and Acting HSSE Director at SOHAR Port and Freezone, emphasized that buildings, including offices, warehouses, and workshops, represent a substantial yet often underestimated source of energy consumption within industrial environments. He described the guideline as a collaborative roadmap for translating technical potential into tangible operational improvements.

The launch ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Mohsen bin Hamad Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of Energy and Minerals, who underscored the importance of structured and scalable approaches in accelerating Oman’s energy transition and ensuring its long-term economic resilience.

SOHAR Port and Freezone launches energy efficiency guideline