logo
Renewables share of Oman's total power output climbs to 11.5%

Renewables share of Oman's total power output climbs to 11.5%

Observer12-07-2025
MUSCAT: The contribution of solar and wind capacity to Oman's total electricity generation more than doubled to approximately 11.5 per cent during the first five months of this year (January–May), up from around 4.88 per cent at the end of December 2024.
According to Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP), the sole procurer of electricity and water capacity in the Sultanate of Oman, renewable energy—predominantly from solar sources—accounted for 1.88 terawatt-hours (TWh) during the January–May 2025 period. This compares with total renewable output of 2.4 TWh for the whole of 2024.
Furthermore, around 89,840 households were supplied with clean electricity during the five-month period, resulting in annualised emissions reductions of approximately 617,300 tonnes, Nama PWP added.
This rapid increase in renewable generation supports the Omani government's strategy to achieve a clean energy share of around 30–40 per cent of total generation capacity by 2030, rising to 60–70 per cent by 2040. The target is for 100 per cent clean energy generation capacity by 2050.
Currently connected to the national grid are the following utility-scale renewable energy projects: Dhofar I Wind Farm (50 MW), Ibri II Solar IPP (500 MW), and the Manah 1 and Manah 2 Solar IPPs (1,000 MW combined). Next to join the grid is the Ibri III Solar IPP (500 MW), which is currently in early development.
In the next phase of renewable energy development, Oman is shifting its focus to wind power, with five wind farms—together representing over 1 gigawatt (GW) of capacity—currently under competitive tendering, overseen by Nama PWP. These projects are planned for Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Duqm, Mahoot, Dhofar, and Sadah. The total investment in these Independent Power Projects (IPPs) is estimated at around RO 450 million (approximately $1.2 billion).
Also in the pipeline is a series of new solar IPPs, aggregating around 4,500 megawatts (MW) in capacity and requiring an estimated investment of $2.8 billion. At least four new solar projects are envisioned for implementation over the next six years.
The largest of these is the so-called 'Solar PV IPPs 2030'—a mega-project comprising one or more developments with a combined capacity of 3 GW. A Request for Proposals (RfP) for this groundbreaking scheme—estimated to cost between $1 billion and $1.5 billion—is expected to be issued in Q1 2027, with commercial operations anticipated by Q1 2030.
Preceding this is the 'Solar PV IPPs 2029' initiative, centred on the development of a 1 GW capacity PV project, with a projected investment of $600–800 million. It is slated to begin operations in Q1 2029.
Additionally, Sinaw in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate is expected to host a 250–300 MW solar PV project, valued at around $200–250 million. The plant is scheduled to come online by Q2 2028. Recently, Nama PWP launched a competitive tender for a 280 MW solar IPP at Al Kamil in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Estimated at $200–250 million, this project is expected to be operational by Q1 2028.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Creative industries seen as bridge between Oman's past and future
Creative industries seen as bridge between Oman's past and future

Muscat Daily

time22 minutes ago

  • Muscat Daily

Creative industries seen as bridge between Oman's past and future

Muscat – Creative and cultural industries are emerging as a key driver of Oman's economic diversification, with potential to link heritage with innovation and support the goals of Oman Vision 2040. Dr Salim bin Mohammed al Hinai, Assistant Professor at the College of Arts and Sciences, University of Nizwa, while giving a background, underlined that creative industries encompass sectors that 'rely on innovation and individual talent, and contribute to transforming ideas into products and services with an economic dimension'. These range from traditional crafts and fine arts to literature, publishing, music, cinema, design and digital media. Dr Salim bin Mohammed al Hinai 'I have witnessed significant development in the Omani dagger industry, silver jewellery and traditional weaving, particularly in the wilayats of Nizwa and Suhar,' Dr Hinai said. 'There is also strong growth in graphic design, digital content production and the Omani film industry, as well as cultural events like the Muscat International Book Fair and Muscat International Film Festival. This sector supports Omani identity and the local economy.' He added that the sector creates jobs in design, crafts and digital content while linking heritage with modern products to enhance cultural tourism. 'It offers high added value at relatively low investment costs and opens the door to global partnerships that showcase Omani culture.' For Badriya bint Mohammed al Fouriya, Director of the Entrepreneurship Department at the Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Riyada), the creative sector is also a platform for entrepreneurship. 'Riyada works to empower owners of creative ideas through training, technical guidance, incubation programmes and financing facilities,' she said. 'We also partner with cultural, educational and community institutions to invest in Omani intellectual heritage and produce renewed cultural content.' She stressed that the sector can increase competitiveness, generate income and create jobs if supported by the right legislative framework and skilled national talent. Murtadha bin Abdul Khaliq al Lawati, Director General of the Place and People Museum, underlined the cultural value of traditional crafts. 'Omani traditional industries go beyond function to become visual and cultural expressions of identity,' he said, adding that they have gained international admiration for their craftsmanship. While welcoming innovation, he warned against altering heritage products in ways that compromise authenticity. 'Industries linked to heritage symbols, such as the Omani dagger, should be preserved in their original form,' he said. In Nizwa, entrepreneur Khalid bin Sulaiman Ambusaidi's 'Nuzul al Manazel' project restores heritage houses using traditional materials and designs. 'We kept the original structure intact, highlighting the moral and cultural value of the place,' he said. 'Such projects promote Oman abroad as a country that values and protects its heritage.' Ambusaidi believes the creative sector can thrive if restoration specialists highlight the stories behind heritage sites and use modern technologies for documentation and promotion. 'Creative industries can connect past and present, strengthen cultural identity, and turn heritage into a sustainable cultural and economic resource,' he said.

Olive sector grows to 20,000 trees, 83 tonnes in annual yield
Olive sector grows to 20,000 trees, 83 tonnes in annual yield

Observer

time2 hours ago

  • Observer

Olive sector grows to 20,000 trees, 83 tonnes in annual yield

MUSCAT: Across the mountains, particularly in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar and the Western Hajar range, olive trees thrive in a revitalised agricultural landscape that reflects the nation's ambitious vision for food security and diversified income. The journey began in the 1990s with the introduction of 10,000 saplings from various cultivars. Some varieties quickly adapted to local conditions, laying the groundwork for olive farming as a promising sector. Today, success is not only in cultivation but also in production. In 2022, Oman produced over 83 tonnes of olives and 10,000 litres of olive oil. Yet, demand far outstrips supply, with more than 24,000 tonnes of olives imported between 2020 and 2022 — underscoring the need to boost local output. Prof Rashid bin Abdullah al Yahyai Government bodies and institutions have supported farmers through free sapling distribution, training programmes and modern olive mills, increasing the number of trees to 20,000. Omani olive oil is now gaining regional and international recognition for its high quality and distinctive flavour. Sustainable growth, however, demands overcoming challenges — a mission championed by Prof Rashid bin Abdullah al Yahyai of the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences. His project identifies optimal cultivation areas based on climate and water resources, introduces high-yielding varieties, and promotes best practices in pruning, irrigation and fertilisation. Innovation is also driving the sector forward. By-products such as olive leaves and pomace, often discarded, are being explored for transformation into value-added nutritional and functional products. Research aims to enhance processing efficiency and create sustainable economic solutions for operational hurdles. These efforts form a clear road map — not just towards self-sufficiency, but towards positioning Oman as a significant player in the regional olive market. In doing so, Oman enhances food security and bolsters its economy by fostering an innovative and sustainable agricultural sector.

Omani-Bahraini expo feature 53 exhibitors
Omani-Bahraini expo feature 53 exhibitors

Observer

time2 hours ago

  • Observer

Omani-Bahraini expo feature 53 exhibitors

SALALAH: The fifth edition of the Omani-Bahraini Products Exhibition opened on Sunday in Salalah. The exhibition is organised by the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Association in cooperation with the embassy of Bahrain in Oman and the Dhofar branch of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI). The exhibition will continue for ten days. The exhibition aims to provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs from small and medium enterprises and productive families to showcase their products and improve their quality. 53 exhibitors from Oman and Bahrain are participating at the Salalah Gardens Mall as part of the Khareef Dhofar Season. The exhibition features a wide range of exhibits, including handicrafts, pottery and traditional costumes. Dr Juma bin Ahmed al Kaabi, Ambassador of Bahrain to Oman, emphasised that organising the fifth edition of the exhibition reflects the successes achieved by previous editions. He praised the growth and development of Omani-Bahraini relations in various fields, noting the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in opening new markets and promoting economic development. Radina al Hajri, Chairwoman of the Omani-Bahraini Friendship Society, said: 'The exhibition is part of a series of events and exhibitions aimed at strengthening trade and investment relations between the two brotherly countries, and providing a platform for exchanging expertise and establishing partnerships between owners of small and medium-sized enterprises.' Naif bin Hamed Fadhel, Chairman of the Dhofar Branch, OCCI, explained that the exhibition embodies a pioneering model of economic and commercial cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain, contributing to enhancing trade and investment exchange, thus adding qualitative value to bilateral relations. It's worth noting that the exhibition is an economic and cultural platform that reflects the depth of fraternal relations between Oman and Bahrain, embodying the spirit of cooperation and partnership between them, contributing to supporting the development process and enhancing opportunities for integration in various fields. - ONA

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store