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Observer
7 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Nama PWP scales up renewable projects in Oman
MUSCAT: In a clear sign of Oman's intensifying push towards a sustainable energy future, Nama Power and Water Procurement (Nama PWP) — the sole procurer of capacity and offtaker of output — has announced sweeping developments in solar and wind energy, underscoring its role as a key catalyst in the Sultanate of Oman's clean energy transformation. The company revealed its progress during Nama Group's annual press conference held on May 27, 2025, which brought together electricity companies under the group to outline strategic milestones and future initiatives in line with Oman Vision 2040. Nama PWP, in particular, emerged as a leading force, spearheading several renewable energy tenders and studies crucial to Oman's long-term decarbonisation goals. Nama PWP launched tenders for two large-scale solar power projects in 2024: the 500 MW Ibri III Solar IPP and the 280 MW Al Kamil Solar IPP. Both projects are scheduled for award in 2025, with commercial operation dates (COD) set for Q4 2027 and Q2 2028 respectively. In parallel, the Manah I and Manah II Solar IPPs reached significant milestones, with the latter completing acceptance testing four months ahead of schedule. These solar initiatives are complemented by a growing wind energy portfolio, with five projects progressing through qualification and two already at the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. Ahmed bin Salim al Abri, CEO of Nama PWP. 'Nama Power and Water Procurement is responsible for planning the future capacities required for electricity and water production and for launching tenders for Independent Power and Water Projects (IPPs and IWPs) under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model by the private sector. This approach supports meeting the growing demand and enhances energy and water security in the Sultanate of Oman,' said Ahmed bin Salim al Abri, CEO of Nama PWP. The company also concluded a landmark 'Optimum Energy Mix and Storage Options' study that affirmed the feasibility of achieving Oman's renewable energy targets through a diversified generation mix. Al Abri emphasised that energy storage will be pivotal in this transition. Additional studies included a review of the Bulk Supply Tariff framework and an initial Demand Response Study aimed at assessing demand-side flexibility, particularly from large consumers — setting the stage for pilot trials in 2025. 'We are proud to be at the forefront of the national transition to renewable energy, leading landmark projects such as the wind power project in Dhofar and the solar power initiatives in Ibri and Manah. These projects contribute over 1,500 MW of contracted capacity, representing 17% of the total from renewable sources. Our ambition is to raise this share to 65% by 2030, with anticipated investments exceeding RO 1 billion, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and the Sultanate of Oman's broader sustainability goals,' Al Abri added. As the Sultanate of Oman's sole procurer of electricity and water desalination projects, Nama PWP plays a strategic role in ensuring the availability of production capacity at the lowest economic cost. Its activities not only reinforce investor confidence in the utilities sector but also help position Oman as a viable and attractive destination for clean energy investment.
Observer
21-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
OETC plans 51 power transmission projects across Oman by 2029
MUSCAT, MAY 21 Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), the majority state-owned operator and owner of the country's national grid, has unveiled plans for substantial investments in a broad portfolio of network expansion and modernization projects aimed at supporting Oman's ambitious clean energy and industrial growth strategies. As many as 51 key projects have been identified by OETC – part of Nama Group – for implementation over the next five years spanning the 2025-2029 timeframe. 'Most of the projects are designed to increase the transmission system capacity to meet the future growth in demand, connect new generations from renewable energy and conventional resources, connect new rural areas, and meet the Transmission Security Standard,' said Saleh bin Nasser Al Rumhi, Chief Executive Officer, in the latest Annual Transmission Capability Statement issued on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Targeted for grid connection over the next five years is an array of solar PV Independent Power Projects (IPPs). They include the 500 MW Ibri Solar III project, which is expected to be connected to the grid by Q2 2026; the 280 MW Al Kamil Solar IPP and 220 MW Solar PV IPP 2028 project slated to be connected by Q3 2027, and a pair of Solar PV IPPs with proposed sites in the Al Sharqiyah North and South Governorates, each contributing 500MW. In parallel, a large slate of wind farms are planned to be integrated into the national grid as well. The list includes the JBB Ali wind farm, with a planned capacity of 100MW, and scheduled to be connected to the grid by Q2 2026. Additionally, the existing 50MW Dhofar I wind farm is set for expansion, with an additional 120 MW planned for grid connection by Q4 of 2026. Other significant wind projects include Ras Madrakah (250MW) and Mahout (350 MW), both planned for connection Q2 2027. By the Q2 2029, several additional wind farms are expected to be operational, including Mahout II (350MW), Al Jazer (100MW), Shaleem (100MW), and Sadah (90MW), further boosting Oman's renewable energy generation capacity. Also slated for grid connection is a pair of conventional gas-powered IPPs planned at Misfah (1600 MW) and Duqm (800 MW). The Misfah IPP, which is designed to secure power supply to the Muscat demand centre, will also necessitate major reinforcement initiatives in the Main Interconnected System (MIS), including five 400kV grid stations with associated lines. It will be connected to the grid by Q3 2027, followed by the Duqm IPP by Q2 2028. Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the strategic North-South Interconnector Project (Rabt) – focusing on a stretch extending from Duqm to Dhofar – is slated for completion by Q4 2026. Commenting on its overall significance, OETC's CEO stated: 'The interconnector (Phase 1&2) will add significant benefits for the Sultanate of Oman due to the expected fuel savings from the improved dispatch coordination among different power systems, access to areas with the potential of renewable energy, sharing of spinning reserves (reducing operating costs), reduction of dependency on diesel generation, generation capacity harmonization and improvement of grid resiliency. In addition, it will contribute to the evacuation of new renewable sources, future integration of large-scale potential hydrogen project integration and enhancing MIS and Dhofar systems resiliency,' he added.
