LiveWIRE Oman Equips Entrepreneurs to Support Energy Transition with Solar PV Training

In 2021, LiveWIRE Oman, also known as Shell Intilaaqah Oman, piloted an exciting new programme that provided critical training to entrepreneurs looking to develop solar PV installation businesses. The programme’s first cohort of 22 entrepreneurs graduated at the end of 2021. This is the first programme in Oman to train entrepreneurs to develop the skills and expertise required to enter solar PV installation.

The decision to adopt a sectoral focus on solar aligns closely with Oman’s vision 2040 and Shell’s Powering Progress strategy towards net-zero emissions. The new programme was designed to prepare entrepreneurs in the solar sector to enter the supply chains of larger organisations. A module on HSSE (Health Safety, Security & Environment), was designed to help participants meet the strict standards required by multinationals. Participants were equipped with technical training, known as PV 101, a prerequisite for all businesses looking to develop solar installation capacity in Oman.

Mahmood Al Nabhani, who participated in the training, said he had benefited from the course, “through this course, we will be able to connect and install any solar system and have accurate knowledge of all its components”.

The programme also provided valuable access to experienced industry experts and in December 2021 took participants to visit Shell’s 25-megawatt solar plant in Oman.

“The field trip was very useful in terms of examining the professional way in which such a huge project was implemented and the mechanisms by which the project was run effectively,” said participating entrepreneur Emad Mohsin Ali Al-Baram. In addition to establishing a solar panel installation company, Emad is planning to establish a factory that prepares the structure in which solar panels are installed.