MUSCAT : Marafiq Company, one of the companies of OQ Group, affiliated with the Oman Investment Authority, announced the reduction of carbon emissions in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) resulting from operating the power plants in the Zone to advanced levels globally.

The Company announced during its participation in the Oman Sustainability Week, which is currently being held at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, that the gas turbine station which supplies SEZAD with electricity has strengthened the Company’s efforts towards sustainability. It contributed to reducing carbon emissions in the Zone by the equivalent of the emissions of around 20,000 cars.

Marafiq had signed an agreement with Nama Group to establish a gas turbine power station instead of the diesel-powered station that was supplying SEZAD with electricity until 2021. The agreement aims to reduce carbon emissions and minimise the government support directed to the electricity sector while providing a similar service with a higher reliability.

During its participation in Oman Sustainability Week, Marafiq showcased its efforts in the field of sustainability, stressing that its plan in this regard is streamlined with government’s directions to reduce carbon emissions and achieve the net-zero carbon by 2050.

Eng. Abdullah Al Hashimi, Managing Director of Marafiq Company, stated, “The Company’s sustainability plan includes all the projects being managed by the company in the Duqm Special Economic Zone at Duqm. These projects are the Integrated Power and Water Plant, gas turbine plant and the potable water desalination plant.

The commitment to international standards in managing the water network in the Zone has enabled the Company to reduce the non-revenue water (NRW) in the network up to 9.1%, which is marks one of the world records in this aspect. Accordingly, Marafiq received the Integrated Utilities Company Award for the year 2023, awarded by the Global Economic News Network (BNC Publishing) for the best innovative projects in sustainability in MENA.”

“Marafiq’s objective in participating in Oman Sustainability Week is to highlight its efforts in the field of sustainability and showcase the modern technologies being used in this field. Marafiq applies international standards in the field of quality and sustainability in the various projects being managed in SEZAD.” he added.

Moreover, Al Hashimi pointed out, “Marafiq has been delivering many other sustainable initiatives while partnering with many government bodies and private corporates. Joining hands with others serves boosting its efforts to protect the environment and spread the green spaces in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. Further, Marafiq also implements other Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives and supporting the role of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Development.

In 2023, the Company funded a training programme held in the United Kingdom for a group of male and female students from Al Wusta Governorate. The programme, which was managed by the German University of Technology in Oman, aimed to improve their English language competences. It also helped developing their personal skills and enriching the cultural exchange opportunity for students.

Marafiq Company is a joint venture between Oman’s OQ Group and Gulf Energy Development Company. Last year, the Company operated Duqm Integrated Power and Water Plant, which supplies Duqm Refinery (OQ8) and Oman Tank Terminal Company (OTTCO) in Ras Markaz with electricity and provides the industrial water for the Duqm Refinery.