Monday 16 / September / 2024
Marafiq won the Energy Efficiency Excellence Award at the Sustainability Innovation Awards, where Abdullah Al Hashimi, Managing Director of Marafiq, was named ‘Sustainability Leader of the Year 2024,’ at the ceremony organised by BNC Publishing in Dubai, UAE.
This accolade highlights the company's exceptional efforts in advancing energy efficiency within its operations, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to sustainability and Oman Vision 2040. Rooted in its comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roadmap, Marafiq has positioned itself as a leader in environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance excellence. A key aspect of their strategy includes pioneering green energy initiatives, such as of the phasing out of diesel-powered plants. These efforts are integral to the Sultanate of Oman’s transition towards a low-carbon economy, in line with the Net Zero 2050 initiative and promoting sustainable development. Moreover, Marafiq’s efforts include cutting-edge energy efficiency measures like utilizing brine/reject water pressure energy, which reduces power consumption and emissions. The installation of efficient equipment and solar panels further supports sustainable development and enhances overall energy efficiency.
The sustainability efforts showcase a commitment to energy efficiency through innovative practices and comprehensive frameworks. At the Marafiq RO Plant in Duqm, we harness brine/reject water pressure energy to reduce power consumption by nearly 57.75 per cent, lowering emissions and operational costs significantly. This approach minimises the specific power needed to produce water from 7.1 kWh to 3 kWh per cubic metre, resulting in substantial cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Concurrently, Marafiq has advanced its ESG framework by establishing a dedicated Sustainability & Value Creation function, enhancing local awareness, and supporting community initiatives. At the DPC Plant, energy efficiency is further advanced through the adoption of efficient electrical equipment, solar panel installations. These efforts collectively highlight a dedication to reducing energy consumption, minimizing emissions, and fostering sustainable development.
In addition to the company's achievements, Abdullah Al Hashimi, MD of Marafiq, was honored with the Sustainability Leader of the Year award. Al Hashimi, who has led Marafiq since 2018, has been instrumental in driving the company’s strategic growth and enhancing operational efficiency. With experience in engineering, project management, business development & finance and management, Al Hashimi has steered Marafiq towards becoming a leading utility provider, ensuring its operations are both efficient and sustainable, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
During the awards ceremony, Al Hashimi said, “Sustainability is at the core of all our operations at Marafiq, extending beyond just providing best-in-class integrated utility solutions. Our success in Duqm further exemplifies Marafiq’s commitment to creating a green economy, in line with Oman Vision 2040. As Duqm’s prominence as a global trading hub grows, we will continue to promote sustainable development in the region by implementing eco-friendly practices. We are honored to set an exemplary precedent for sustainability in the industry and will remain steadfast in our efforts to deliver long-term benefits for our stakeholders across diverse sectors.”
Marafiq was established in November 2013 and holds exclusive rights to generate, distribute, transmit, and supply a range of utility services in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) for 25 years. Given Duqm’s arid climatic conditions and limited rainfall, Marafiq’s water and energy conservation initiatives are crucial for supporting the region’s long-term sustainable development.
This event organised by BNC Publishing recognised individual excellence, corporate milestones, and groundbreaking projects that are propelling the region toward a more sustainable future. By honoring these remarkable efforts, the Awards encourage companies to advance innovation and sustainability, promoting a culture of environmental stewardship.
