In a significant step towards strengthening the integration of research, innovation and national capacity building, SQU hosted the inauguration of the Sustainable Energy Research Centre Laboratory (SERC Lab) and the signing of an agreement to implement the second phase of the Kafa'a Programme between the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, represented by the Oman Net Zero Centre, and SQU.
The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al-Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, in the presence of His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda bin Majid Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor.
The occasion reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships among government institutions, academia and the private sector, while fostering a national ecosystem that connects research with practical applications, professional development and economic opportunities in the energy sector. Prof. Amer bin Saif Al-Hinai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Studies and Research, described the inauguration as "a pivotal step in the ongoing cooperation between the University and various national sectors", and "a genuine embodiment of their effective partnership in supporting research, innovation and the building of national talent".
The inauguration of the laboratory marks the culmination of a strategic partnership between SQU and Oxy Oman, which jointly funded the project. Developed at a total investment of approximately 1.5 million Rials and covering an area of around 774 square metres, the laboratory represents a significant addition to Oman’s research infrastructure. It provides an integrated platform for advancing innovative technologies and solutions in sustainable energy, strengthening research and technical capabilities, and promoting collaboration between academic institutions and industry.
The laboratory houses several specialised research units covering alternative fuels, energy materials, energy efficiency, thermal energy, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, and hydrogen. It also features a smart grids laboratory, facilities for renewable energy systems modelling and simulation, and a dedicated training and capacity-building studio. Together, these facilities will enable research to be translated into practical solutions that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the energy sector.
The laboratory builds on the track record of the SERC Lab, which has hosted it since the Centre's establishment in 2017. Over that period the Centre has carried out around 61 research projects and secured research funding of about 2.39 million Rials, of which some 1.95 million Rials came from industry and external bodies. It has also published around 100 papers indexed in Scopus, which have received more than 2,100 citations, and has helped to train more than 300 individuals in various fields of energy. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor noted that this funding reflects "the importance of partnerships with industry in supporting scientific research and developing solutions that meet the sector's needs", and said the new laboratory is expected to reinforce these efforts by giving researchers and trainees access to specialised equipment and technologies with which to develop their scientific and practical skills.
In a related development, the University and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, represented by the Oman Net Zero Centre, signed a three-year agreement to implement the second phase of the Kafa'a Programme. The agreement was signed by His Highness Sayyid Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda bin Majid Al Said, the Vice-Chancellor, and His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al-Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
The agreement aims to expand specialised professional training in energy efficiency while aligning training outcomes with practical applications, entrepreneurship and labour market needs.
Under the agreement, 275 participants will receive training and professional development in energy auditing, while a further 20 participants will be trained in measurement and verification. The programme will also incubate at least three national teams, each comprising four members, providing them with support to develop innovative solutions and services and establish startups specialising in energy efficiency. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the national pool of professional expertise, develop a local market for specialised services, and create new economic and employment opportunities.
His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, emphasised that investing in research, innovation and national talent development is a strategic pillar in advancing the energy sector and enhancing its competitiveness and sustainability.
He highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among government institutions, academia and the private sector in developing innovative technologies and solutions, while equipping national talent with the skills and expertise needed to drive the sector's development and respond to its future transformations.
His Excellency further explained that the inauguration of the SERC Lab and the renewal of the Kafa'a Programme agreement embody this strategic direction by bridging research and practical applications. These initiatives seek to develop and empower Omani professionals to translate research outcomes and specialised knowledge into new investment and economic opportunities.
He added that such efforts would strengthen entrepreneurship and local content, improve energy consumption efficiency and reduce emissions, in support of the Oman Vision 2040 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
For his part, Eng. Mohsen Al-Jabri, Director General of the Oman Net Zero Centre, explained that the expansion of energy efficiency projects requires a strong national base of specialised expertise and services.
He noted that the Kafa'a Programme supports this objective by aligning professional training with implementation requirements and enhancing the ability of Omani professionals to deliver economically viable solutions with measurable impacts on energy consumption and emissions reduction.
He added that renewing the partnership with SQU ensures continuity in these efforts and supports the development of a national energy efficiency services sector, strengthening Oman's ability to achieve its targets while capitalising on the associated economic opportunities.
The renewal of the Kafa'a Programme agreement builds on the achievements of its first phase, which comprised six weeks of training involving 50 male and female participants. The programme covered the fundamentals of energy auditing, practical fieldwork and preparation for the Certified Energy Auditor (CEA) examination administered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). A total of 38 participants obtained the certification, representing a 76% pass rate.
The second phase will introduce specialised training programmes that combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. Participants will progress from foundational concepts and professional energy auditing standards to field training, energy consumption data analysis, and the assessment of systems and equipment performance. The programmes will also prepare participants to obtain accredited professional certifications upon fulfilling the relevant requirements.
The programme will additionally offer training in measurement and verification, including preparation for the Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) certification. This component aims to develop participants' skills in measuring and verifying energy savings and evaluating the outcomes of energy efficiency improvement projects in accordance with recognised professional standards.
Furthermore, the programme includes an incubation initiative for national teams, offering technical and business mentorship alongside support for developing business models and innovative solutions. This will enable participating teams to establish startups specialising in energy efficiency services.
The inauguration of the laboratory and the renewal of the Kafa'a Programme agreement demonstrate an integrated approach to research, professional development and entrepreneurship. By strengthening partnerships among academic and government institutions and industry stakeholders, these initiatives aim to harness knowledge and emerging technologies to develop specialised national capabilities and create new investment and economic opportunities.
Together, these efforts will contribute to diversifying the national economy and advancing the objectives of Oman’s Vision 2040 and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.