Evaluation of Utilizing Methanol Fuel as Energy Storage for Renewable Energy Projects in Oman

Project: Other project

Project Details

Description

Electricity generation in Oman contributes to CO2 emission similar to other energy-consuming sectors. IPP natural gas-fired power plants are the main electricity and water producers in addition to IWP companies that are mainly supplied from the main grid. While natural gas is considered to be a clean source of fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, the electricity sector in Oman exerts tremendous effort to improve the fuel utilization efficiency through modern combined-cycle power plants. The main challenges are also valid for the rural areas and remote locations which are far away from the main grid. These microgrids are mainly supplied with electricity using modular-diesel generators. Diesel fuel, besides being expensive, contributes heavily to CO2 emissions. In achieving Oman?s commitment to reducing CO2 emission, and to diversifying energy resources. In addition, the energy policy has a target of utilizing renewable energy resources for electricity generation by 2025 to reach 10% of the total energy demand. The electricity sector is working to achieve this target at different levels. OPWP is planning large-scale solar and wind projects in the main grid. On the other hand, the AER Sahim initiative will deploy rooftops PV System at the distribution system. While RAECO already announced the plan of the hybrid diesel and PV projects at several sites in the rural areas. The main challenge associated with renewables is unpredictable production due to the stochastic nature of such resources. The energy production might not match the demand in many scenarios, which requires reliable energy storage. Methanol can be used for energy storage and power generation particularly in rural and remote areas in replacement of diesel fuel.

Layman's description

Electricity generation in Oman contributes to CO2 emission similar to other energy-consuming sectors. IPP natural gas-fired power plants are the main electricity and water producers in addition to IWP companies that are mainly supplied from the main grid. While natural gas is considered to be a clean source of fossil fuel compared to coal and oil, the electricity sector in Oman exerts tremendous effort to improve the fuel utilization efficiency through modern combined-cycle power plants. The main challenges are also valid for the rural areas and remote locations which are far away from the main grid. These microgrids are mainly supplied with electricity using modular-diesel generators. Diesel fuel, besides being expensive, contributes heavily to CO2 emissions. In achieving Oman?s commitment to reducing CO2 emission, and to diversifying energy resources. In addition, the energy policy has a target of utilizing renewable energy resources for electricity generation by 2025 to reach 10% of the total energy demand. The electricity sector is working to achieve this target at different levels. OPWP is planning large-scale solar and wind projects in the main grid. On the other hand, the AER Sahim initiative will deploy rooftops PV System at the distribution system. While RAECO already announced the plan of the hybrid diesel and PV projects at several sites in the rural areas. The main challenge associated with renewables is unpredictable production due to the stochastic nature of such resources. The energy production might not match the demand in many scenarios, which requires reliable energy storage. Methanol can be used for energy storage and power generation particularly in rural and remote areas in replacement of diesel fuel.
AcronymTTotP
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date1/1/2012/1/22

Keywords

  • Renewable Energy
  • Energy Storage
  • Methanol fuel

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