Nama Electricity invests RO 154 million in smart network
MUSCAT, MAY 20
Nama Electricity Distribution Company (NEDC) – part of Nama Group - invested RO 154.49 million in 2024 to upgrade and expand its power distribution network across Oman, according to its latest annual report.
The investment covered key infrastructure priorities including RO 93.54 million for 11kV projects—both load-related and non-load under the Asset Rehabilitation Programme—and RO 49.76 million for 33kV network enhancements. An additional RO 9.08 million was allocated to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), while RO 2.11 million supported shared asset upgrades.
The capital spending aims to boost system reliability, improve energy efficiency, and support the continued rollout of smart technologies. By the end of 2024, over 1 million smart meters had been deployed, helping reduce system losses to 7.95%, down from 8.23% the previous year.
'These upgrades are critical to ensuring long-term network resilience and preparing Oman's grid for future digital and renewable integration,' the report stated.
The company's infrastructure now includes 105 grid stations, 738 primary substations, and over 100,000 kilometres of circuit length. NEDC is the largest electricity distributor in the country, serving 1.35 million customers across all governorates except Dhofar.
The capital expenditure programme aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and supports the government's broader digitalisation and sustainability objectives. NEDC plans to complete nationwide smart meter coverage by 2025 and continue investments in automation and grid modernisation.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
an hour ago
- Observer
Shipbuilding hub to boost Musandam's economy
In a major boost for Oman's marine and fisheries industries, Musandam Global Investment Company SAOC (MGIC) and its Turkish partners have signed binding commercial terms and a shareholders' agreement to establish Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries LLC, a shipbuilding and repair facility in Musandam Governorate. The deal was formalised in the presence of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam. The project, backed by an initial investment of $15 million, will support the construction and maintenance of aquaculture cages, fishing vessels, tugboats, and service and transport vessels up to 35 metres in length. It is set to serve both domestic and regional markets, aligning with Oman's strategy to enhance food security and marine industrial capacity under Oman Vision 2040. In an exclusive interview with the Observer, Raed al Shehhi, Chairman of MGIC, emphasised the project's strategic importance, "The launch of Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries LLC is aligned with our long-term strategy to build an integrated and diversified economy in Musandam. This project directly supports Oman Vision 2040 by fostering sustainable industrial growth, enhancing food security through support to fisheries, and creating meaningful employment.' According to Al Shehhi, the first phase of the project will include the development of slipways, fabrication workshops, and maintenance yards tailored for small to medium-sized vessels. The company will also build infrastructure for manufacturing and servicing aquaculture cages and coastal fishing boats. 'Phase one focuses on establishing the core shipbuilding and repair infrastructure. Future phases will likely include expansion to handle larger vessel classes, integration of smart technologies, and development of ancillary industries,' he explained. The decision to invest in this sector was driven by strong market signals, both nationally and regionally. 'The Sultanate of Oman has seen a steady increase in demand for modern fishing vessels and aquaculture infrastructure, in line with its national food security strategy,' Al Shehhi noted. "Regionally, the GCC marine sector is expanding, particularly in sustainable fisheries and coastal transport. However, there's a shortage of specialised facilities for these services — and we're stepping in to fill that gap.' Equally important to the project is its social and economic impact on the local community. MGIC has committed to an aggressive Omanisation and skills development programme, focusing on Musandam's youth. 'We are creating 50 direct jobs for the local community in the initial phase alone,' Al Shehhi said. 'We are also developing specialised courses in welding, marine mechanics, vessel design, and industrial safety, along with apprenticeship pathways. The aim is not just employment, but cultivating a generation of skilled professionals who can drive long-term growth in the marine sector.' The company's Turkish partners bring substantial technical know-how to the initiative. Their expertise in shipbuilding and modular construction will play a vital role in setting up world-class facilities and transferring knowledge to Omani technicians and engineers. 'Our partners bring experience in marine engineering and will support us in applying international best practices across the board — from project management and quality assurance to environmental compliance,' Al Shehhi affirmed. Beyond industrial development, the drydock project is expected to position Musandam as a strategic hub for marine services, leveraging its unique geography and proximity to key shipping lanes. The move represents another milestone in Oman's broader strategy to unlock regional development and local value creation in its northernmost governorate. The incorporation of Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries LLC signals more than just economic activity — it marks a commitment to sustainable, integrated growth built on innovation, partnership and local empowerment.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
Pact signed to build integrated public bus station in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Al Buraimi Governorate and national transport operator Mwasalat have signed an agreement to establish a modern, integrated public bus station in the Al Uqda Al Shamaliya area of Al Buraimi. The facility will span 56,000 square metres and aims to enhance the public transport network in line with Oman Vision 2040. The project will feature an eco-friendly design and provide both inter-city and intra-city transport services. Key components include a smart taxi hub, a micro-mobility station, air-conditioned waiting areas, dedicated bus bays, offices for transport operators, retail shops, logistics services, and ample parking for cars and buses. The signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The agreement was signed by Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, and Engineer Badr bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat. According to the agreement, Mwasalat will act as the technical lead, responsible for the station's design standards, supervision, and eventual operation and management. The governorate will provide funding for infrastructure works and facilitate administrative and regulatory processes, including land use modifications. The site will be designated as the exclusive hub for public transport services in the governorate. Governor Al Busaidi highlighted the project's economic and social impact, stating that the new station will cater to a large number of public transport users. Currently, around 12 daily bus services run on the Muscat–Al Buraimi route, along with cross-border services to Abu Dhabi via Al Buraimi. Mwasalat CEO Al Nadabi added that the agreement also includes investment opportunities, with a tender to be floated for private sector participation. Construction is expected to begin within three months, with completion targeted within three years. — ONA
Times of Oman
a day ago
- Times of Oman
Agreement signed to develop integrated bus public transport hub in Al Buraimi
Muscat - Al Buraimi Governorate and Mwasalat Company today signed a cooperation agreement to develop an integrated bus public transport hub in the Al Uqda Al Shamaliyah area of Al Buraimi Governorate. The project includes the development of a modern, integrated transport station spanning 56,000 square meters. The station will feature an eco-friendly design, offering intercity and intracity passenger transport services, along with advanced facilities such as a smart taxi station, a micro-mobility station, air-conditioned waiting halls, dedicated bus bays, transport operator offices, retail outlets, logistics facilities, and parking spaces for both cars and buses. The agreement was signed under the auspices of Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology for Transport. Dr. Hamad Ahmed Al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, signed the agreement on behalf of the governorate, while Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat, signed on behalf of the company. The agreement aims to enhance public transport infrastructure in the governorate and improve road transport services in line with Oman Vision 2040. It stipulates that Mwasalat will serve as the technical arm of the project, responsible for developing design standards, overseeing implementation, and operating and managing public transport facilities upon completion. Meanwhile, the governorate will allocate the necessary budget for infrastructure and facilitate administrative and regulatory procedures, including land-use adjustments and designating the station as the exclusive hub for mass transit services in the governorate. The Governor of Al Buraimi stated that the establishment of an integrated bus transport hub in the governorate will serve a large segment of public transport users and boost economic indicators. He noted that there are approximately 12 daily bus trips on the Muscat-Al Buraimi route, in addition to the route between Muscat and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, which passes through Al Buraimi Governorate. For his part, Eng. Badr Mohammed Al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat, explained that the agreement includes investment aspects, with a tender to be issued for investment in the station's development. Implementation is expected to begin within the next three months, with completion targeted within three years.
