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Observer
16-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman to advance key power, water schemes in 2025
MUSCAT: Beyond its commitment to procuring new renewables-based capacity in line with nationally-mandated targets, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) — the sole procurer of capacity and offtaker of output — is embarking on a number of initiatives during 2025, aimed as reinforcing the security, efficiency and reliability of electricity and potable water supply over the long term. PWP Chief Executive Officer Ahmed bin Salim al Abri said the initiatives seek to build on a 'year of successful achievements' in 2024, designed to support sustainable energy development, centring primarily on renewable energy resources. 'Following Oman Vision 2040 and the Renewable energy target set for 2030 and 2040, PWP is continuing to accelerate diversifying its energy generation portfolio and develop renewable energy projects,' Al Abri said. 'PWP focuses on diversifying renewable energy resources by optimising the availability of natural resources and a commitment towards sustainability. The favourable economic costs of wind and solar PV technologies drive renewable project development. The year 2024 has been marked by a significant number of renewable energy projects being tendered, completed, or commencing acceptance testing,' he added in a foreword to PWP's 2024 Annual Report. Key among the portfolio of initiatives lined up for advancement in 2025 is the Optimum Energy Mix and Energy Storage Options Study. The strategic study, undertaken in coordination with a number of stakeholders, has modelled and analysed scenarios relating to the transition path for Oman's generation mix till 2040, with a particular focus on the transition from today's predominantly gas-based system to a mixed system. 'The study confirmed that the targets set in Oman Vision 2040, by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, are achievable while meeting the economic purchase obligation. The energy storage technologies will play an important role to provide ancillary services to the grid with higher penetration of renewable,' the CEO noted. Ahmed bin Salim al Abri - Nama PWP CEO Also on PWP's list of priorities for 2025 is the completion of a key Demand Response Study. Stage 1 of this strategic study explored the potential of the demand response role as part of the system dynamics, with a particular focus on large customers and their contribution to system demand. The study explored different models that potentially applicable to Oman's system. Following the completion of the first stage, Stage 2 is proposed to be initiated in 2025 with a focus more on the trial and modelling of some customers' behaviour (proof of concept) and setting up the structure to implement the demand response widely in the system. Likewise, Oman's groundbreaking Electricity Spot Market, which went live in January 2022, will be the subject of another annual review in 2025 per Market Rules. Audits for 2023 and 2024 were successfully conducted, with the Market Management System achieving 100 per cent availability throughout 2024. 'Moreover, the market has effectively integrated the registration of the new Pool Based Power Contract plants contracted in 2024, including Al Rusail Power Company SAOC (Al Rusail IPP), Manah Power Company SAOC (Manah IPP) and Sembcorp Jinko Shine Company SAOC (Manah 2 solar IPP),' said the CEO in his foreword. However, PWP's primary focus during 2025 will continue to remain on the procurement of renewable energy and water projects. Topping the list is the 500 MW solar PV Independent Power Project (IPP) planned in Ibri — also known as Ibri-III Solar — with an investment of RO 155 million. An award is anticipated this year. Other power and water schemes that will make headway in their delivery are: the 280MW solar PV project at Al Kamil in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate; the award of new contracts for existing generators with Water Purchase Agreements (WPAs) expiring in 2027 (also known as Water 2027); the release of RfPs for Power and Water 2028-2029 project, with a plan to award a contract this year; and the release of the RfQ and RfP for the Water 2030 project. Furthermore, awards for all five wind projects currently under procurement with a combined investment of around RO 500 million are anticipated in 2025. The five Wind IPPs are planned at: Jaalan Bani bu Ali (91-105 MW), Duqm (234-270 MW), Mahout Wind I (342-400 MW), Dhofar Wind II IPP (114-132 MW) and Sadah (81- 99 MW). They are slated for commercial operation by 2027.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
NERSA establishes Electricity Market Advisory Forum to transform South Africa's electricity sector
New Electricity Market Advisory Forum launched by NERSA for South Africa's energy reform Image: IOL/Independent Newspapers The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has taken a significant step towards transforming the country's electricity sector by approving the establishment of the Electricity Market Advisory Forum (EMAF). This new advisory body, formed under the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, aims to provide expert guidance on the development and regulatory oversight of South Africa's emerging competitive electricity market. In a statement issued on Friday, NERSA's Head of Communications, Charles Hlebela, highlighted the importance of the EMAF in navigating the profound changes anticipated in the sector. 'The decision recognises the transformative shift in the electricity landscape, driven by amendments to the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), which envisage a competitive electricity market within the next five years. 'The EMAF is a strategic move to involve stakeholders early on, fostering a robust, inclusive regulatory environment to support this transition.' Hlebela stated that the establishment of the EMAF aligns with South Africa's broader energy reform agenda, which includes licensing a Market Operator—likely to be the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA)—and the development of comprehensive Market Rules and Codes. These regulations will underpin the operation of the nascent wholesale electricity market, which introduces regulatory activities that are relatively new to the South African context, such as market surveillance and enforcement. Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Strengthening According to NERSA, the EMAF's primary role will be advising NERSA on key regulatory frameworks, including the finalisation of Market Rules and Codes crucial for the market's launch. It added that the forum will also provide insights on the necessary enablers for a competitive market, such as licensing procedures, operational oversight, and enforcement mechanisms. Recognising the complexity and novelty of these activities, NERSA emphasised the importance of stakeholder consultation and institutional capacity building. 'An inclusive consultation process like the EMAF will help ensure all stakeholders are prepared for the evolving market. This initiative will foster readiness among industry players, regulators, and end-users alike, " said Hlebela. Composition and Operational Framework While specific details about the appointment process are yet to be finalised, NERSA indicated that the EMAF's membership would be carefully curated to include a diverse blend of institutional representatives, industry experts, and end-user perspectives. The energy regulator said that the Market Rule Project Team is currently finalising the forum's terms of reference, which will outline its scope, mandate, membership criteria, and code of conduct. [email protected] IOL Politics
IOL News
03-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
NERSA establishes Electricity Market Advisory Forum to transform South Africa's electricity sector
New Electricity Market Advisory Forum launched by NERSA for South Africa's energy reform Image: IOL/Independent Newspapers The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has taken a significant step towards transforming the country's electricity sector by approving the establishment of the Electricity Market Advisory Forum (EMAF). This new advisory body, formed under the provisions of the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, aims to provide expert guidance on the development and regulatory oversight of South Africa's emerging competitive electricity market. In a statement issued on Friday, NERSA's Head of Communications, Charles Hlebela, highlighted the importance of the EMAF in navigating the profound changes anticipated in the sector. 'The decision recognises the transformative shift in the electricity landscape, driven by amendments to the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), which envisage a competitive electricity market within the next five years. 'The EMAF is a strategic move to involve stakeholders early on, fostering a robust, inclusive regulatory environment to support this transition.' Hlebela stated that the establishment of the EMAF aligns with South Africa's broader energy reform agenda, which includes licensing a Market Operator—likely to be the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA)—and the development of comprehensive Market Rules and Codes. These regulations will underpin the operation of the nascent wholesale electricity market, which introduces regulatory activities that are relatively new to the South African context, such as market surveillance and enforcement. Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Strengthening According to NERSA, the EMAF's primary role will be advising NERSA on key regulatory frameworks, including the finalisation of Market Rules and Codes crucial for the market's launch. It added that the forum will also provide insights on the necessary enablers for a competitive market, such as licensing procedures, operational oversight, and enforcement mechanisms. Recognising the complexity and novelty of these activities, NERSA emphasised the importance of stakeholder consultation and institutional capacity building. 'An inclusive consultation process like the EMAF will help ensure all stakeholders are prepared for the evolving market. This initiative will foster readiness among industry players, regulators, and end-users alike, " said Hlebela. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕
