Sultan Qaboos University, represented by the college of Engineering, has signed a cooperation program with Nafath Renewable Energy for building capacity and developing engineering capabilities that helps in designing and manufacturing of solar and electrical car systems.

This program is the result of the cooperation efforts between Nafath Renewable Energy Company and SQU, in order to strengthen the partnership between the two parties and the implementation of the university’s plan to link students, academic and technical staff with the local industries to promote diversification of the national economy.

The program includes several themes, such as strengthening the national capacities in the fields of production, design and manufacturing of solar and electrical car systems through training workshops, as well as encouraging SQU students to develop solutions and techniques used in design and manufacturing of solar and electrical cars. The program also includes building mutual relations to support partnership efforts and transfer of knowledge and cooperation in finding innovative solutions in these areas, and the establishment of a cooperation plan between the university and the company to develop electric cars in the Sultanate.

According to the cooperation program, Nafath Company will train a group of students and researchers from the College of Engineering in the techniques of solar energy systems. The company will implement a number of experimental projects in solar and electric vehicles at the University to spread these technologies. In return, the university will stimulate the academic staff and students to conduct researches in areas related to solar systems and electric vehicles, as well as contribute to research and development programs proposed by the company.

The cooperation program was signed by Eng. Abdullah Al Saidi, Chief Executive Officer of Nafath Renewable Energy, and Prof. Amer Al Rawas, SQU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Community Services.