Work on Oman’s first solar-powered mosque is nearing completion, said the engineer behind the unique initiative.

The one-of-its-kind mosque will be able to save up to 60 per cent of electricity consumption compared to other mosques run entirely on traditionally-produced electricity, according to engineer Badr Al Hadabi, the project designer.

It will also save up to 40 per cent of the normal water consumption.

“The project is in its final stage,” said engineer Al Hadabi, adding that the mosque can house around 50 worshippers.

“We have completed 90 per cent of the work and are now placing the panels on the mosque’s roof, facing the sun,” he explained.

He is now waiting for the concerned authorities to complete the final formalities so that he can kick off the ambitious project.

“This will be the first green mosque in the world. I hope this model will set a good example for pursuing the cause of sustainable energy in the Sultanate,” he said, adding that he designed the mosque free-of-charge as a “gift to the nation.” After 12 months of hard work, the Omani engineer said he was confident that the project will turn out to be a success.

“This project will be good for the sustainable energy industry in the region as the GCC countries do not have enough resources for solar energy,” he said, adding that the project is to be funded by the government.

Asked about the relatively small size of the mosque, Al Hadabi said, “The bigger it is, the more difficult it will be to supply and secure the power as air conditioning systems consume a lot of power.”

Al Hadabi, who is also the founder of Keystone Engineering Consultancy, explained that the main challenge in building a solar-powered building in Oman is the large amount of energy needed to run air conditioners.

With his academic background of studying the renewable energy field in the United States, Al Hadabi stressed the urgency of using solar power and to ensure it starts replacing oil and gas, which “are not sustainable.”

Source: timesofoman.com