US-based GlassPoint Solar, a leading supplier of solar energy to the oil and gas industry, said it has signed a deal with Occidental of Oman for the development of a 2-GW solar thermal energy plant at the Mukhaizna oilfield in the sultanate.

As the lead developer of the proposed project, GlassPoint will deploy its proven solar technology to produce up to 100,000 barrels of solar steam per day.

On completion, the solar steam would be purchased by Occidental and used for facilitating production of heavy oil, said the company.

With preliminary studies complete, engineering work has now commenced to define the project scope and field integration plans, it added.

Operating in Oman for more than 30 years, Occidental of Oman is the largest independent oil producer in the country. At the Mukhaizna field, Occidental of Oman has implemented one of the world’s largest steam flood projects for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

GlassPoint’s solar steam generators use large mirrors to concentrate sunlight and boil oilfield water into steam. Occidental of Oman would purchase the steam under a long-term off-take agreement, providing a cost-effective, zero-emissions alternative to steam generated using natural gas.

The proposed solar project could save more than 800,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year, said GlassPoint Solar.