Oman-based Majis Industrial Services has signed an agreement with Unicorn International to set up a photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant for its facilities at Sohar Port at an investment value of RO500,000 ($1.3 million).

A leading water solutions provider, Majis Industrial Services delivers seawater, treatment, supply and effluent management to industrial customers who require cooling water, potable water, ultra-pure process water and wastewater services.

As per the deal, Unicorn will install a 1.3 MWp plant which is likely to be operational by the end of 2020, thus introducing best-in-class solar energy technology to Sohar.

The scope of work includes deployment of 3,600 solar modules and 15 solar inverters to generate 2,350 million kwhr of energy per year.

The project will save 681,000 cu m of gas per year and will result in a reduction of 1,462 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually. The savings will thereby materially reduce the energy consumption of Majis’ operations, said the statement from the company.

Majis' operations cover two industrial areas in Oman – Sohar Port and Freezone and Sohar Industrial Estate - on which the company holds exclusive long-term concessions.

Majis owns a total of nine assets that process 700,000 cu m/hour of seawater, delivered in bulk to industrial customers on long-term contracts.

CEO Ahmed Saif Al Mazrouy said: "Our agreement with Unicorn International is a critical step in reducing the carbon footprint of our water services in Sohar, while also reducing operating costs."

"Majis’ commitment to innovation sees us work with best-in-class technology providers to streamline our operations and minimise our environmental impact," he noted.

"Once installed, the solar facility will generate 6.5 MWh energy per day, achieving a carbon footprint reduction equivalent to planting 38,000 trees," explained Al Mazrouy.

"Our agreement with Unicorn supports both our environmental commitment and our dedication to Oman’s growing SME segment. We will continue to work with local partners, where possible, to contribute to economic growth in the sultanate," he added.

Unicorn's managing director Ali Abdullah Saif Al Maskery pointed out that solar PV generation was increasingly cost effective and enabled businesses to cut their carbon footprint.

"We are pleased to work with Majis to bring our technology to Sohar and support its goal for delivering low-impact water services to Oman’s most important industries," remarked Al Maskery.

"Our turnkey PV products have experienced strong growth in adoption across Oman, which is an indicator of the promise that the local renewables sector shows, as well as the appetite that exists for low-carbon energy solutions," he added.-TradeArabia News Service