Latest news with #NamaPowerandWaterProcurementCompany
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Nama announces RO1bn transition to renewable energy, smart grid
Muscat – Oman's electricity sector is undergoing a major transformation with Nama Group announcing renewable energy projects and digital upgrades aimed at reducing emissions, improving efficiency and enhancing grid reliability. At its annual media briefing on Tuesday, senior officials announced that over RO1bn will be invested in expanding clean energy and digitalising the network, including a nationwide rollout of smart meters and upgrades to power transmission systems. Said bin Khalaf al Abri, General Manager of Planning and Project Development at Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, said two solar projects – Ibri 3 (500MW) and Al Kamil (280MW) – have been tendered and are expected to be awarded this year. He added that the prequalification process for five wind projects has been completed. Proposals have already been invited for two, with all five scheduled to be awarded in 2025. 'Our goal is to raise the share of contracted renewable capacity to 30% of total contracted electricity by 2030,' he said. Sultan al Rawahi, General Manager of Load Dispatch Centre at Oman Electricity Transmission Company, said the country has built 116 power stations, including 17 high-voltage stations operating at 400kV. 'The network now operates at 99.9% reliability, meeting global benchmarks,' he said. Rawahi said more than 75% of conventional meters have been replaced with smart ones, with full conversion targeted by end-2025. 'This shift has helped reduce electricity loss to less than 8% for the first time in our history,' he said. Salem bin Saeed al Kamyani, CEO of Nama Electricity Distribution Company, informed that a mobile app now allows customers to monitor usage, receive top-ups and manage electric loads. 'This is part of our ongoing push to make electricity management more efficient and accessible,' he said. In the water sector, Ali bin Issa Shamas, CEO of Nama Dhofar Services, said over 22mn m3 of treated water is produced annually. He added that RO137mn worth of infrastructure tenders have been awarded, including plans to raise sewage coverage in Salalah from 76% to 95% before the end of 2025.
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.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Barka IV strengthens Oman's water resilience with smart technology
MUSCAT: Amid increasing pressure on water resources caused by population growth, urbanisation, and climate change, the Barka IV Desalination Plant — Oman's largest desalination plant — has positioned itself as a key pillar of Oman's national water security strategy. Designed to align with Oman Vision 2040, the high-capacity plant produces 281,000 cubic metres of potable water daily—enough to serve more than one million people. Operated under a 20-year build-own-operate agreement with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, Barka IV has been operational since 2018. The plant is run by Veolia, which has integrated advanced reverse osmosis technology and artificial intelligence tools to optimise performance and reduce environmental impact. In an interview with the Observer during a tour at the plant, Kirollos Sergyous, Plant Manager at Barka IV said, 'The goal is to ensure clean, safe water reaches people efficiently and sustainably. Every system we've adopted is focused on reliability, environmental care, and long-term resilience for the Sultanate of Oman.' Central to the plant's efficiency is its reverse osmosis system, which includes 20,000 high-performance membranes operating at 60 bars. Energy recovery devices, which operate at a 97% efficiency rate, help significantly lower energy consumption during the desalination process. 'We have achieved one of the highest energy recovery rates in the region,' Sergyous noted 'This not only supports Oman's sustainability goals but also makes the plant more economically viable over the long term.' The Barka IV facility takes environmental protection seriously. Intake towers located 1.5 kilometres offshore reduce the impact on marine ecosystems by operating at low velocities. In addition, protective air bubble curtains are used to prevent jellyfish and debris from entering the system, ensuring both ecosystem preservation and operational reliability. On the front end, the plant employs dissolved air flotation (DAF) and dual media gravity filters to remove algae and suspended solids. Fine cartridge filters trap particles as small as five microns before water enters the reverse osmosis phase. The treated water then goes through a remineralisation process using limestone filters to meet international drinking water standards. This ensures that the water delivered to consumers is not only clean but also safe and stable for everyday use. A standout feature of the plant is its digitally equipped smart control room, which connects over 3,000 individual components for real-time monitoring and diagnostics. Using AI-powered tools like Hubgrid, the plant can anticipate maintenance needs and fine-tune operations in real time. 'Digitalisation has given us a new level of control,' said Sergyous. 'We can detect issues before they happen, adjust our systems dynamically, and keep plant availability above 95 per cent—something that's essential for a critical utility like this.' As Oman moves to secure its water future in the face of environmental and demographic pressures, Barka IV stands as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure powered by innovation and foresight. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
04-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Barka IV strengthens Oman's water resilience with smart technology
MUSCAT, MAY 4 Amid increasing pressure on water resources caused by population growth, urbanisation, and climate change, the Barka IV Desalination Plant — Oman's largest desalination plant — has positioned itself as a key pillar of Oman's national water security strategy. Designed to align with Oman Vision 2040, the high-capacity plant produces 281,000 cubic metres of potable water daily—enough to serve more than one million people. Operated under a 20-year build-own-operate agreement with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, Barka IV has been operational since 2018. The plant is run by Veolia, which has integrated advanced reverse osmosis technology and artificial intelligence tools to optimise performance and reduce environmental impact. In an interview with the Observer during a tour at the plant, Kirollos Sergyous, Plant Manager at Barka IV said, 'The goal is to ensure clean, safe water reaches people efficiently and sustainably. Every system we've adopted is focused on reliability, environmental care, and long-term resilience for the Sultanate of Oman.' Central to the plant's efficiency is its reverse osmosis system, which includes 20,000 high-performance membranes operating at 60 bars. Energy recovery devices, which operate at a 97% efficiency rate, help significantly lower energy consumption during the desalination process. 'We have achieved one of the highest energy recovery rates in the region,' Sergyous noted 'This not only supports Oman's sustainability goals but also makes the plant more economically viable over the long term.' The Barka IV facility takes environmental protection seriously. Intake towers located 1.5 kilometres offshore reduce the impact on marine ecosystems by operating at low velocities. In addition, protective air bubble curtains are used to prevent jellyfish and debris from entering the system, ensuring both ecosystem preservation and operational reliability. On the front end, the plant employs dissolved air flotation (DAF) and dual media gravity filters to remove algae and suspended solids. Fine cartridge filters trap particles as small as five microns before water enters the reverse osmosis phase. The treated water then goes through a remineralisation process using limestone filters to meet international drinking water standards. This ensures that the water delivered to consumers is not only clean but also safe and stable for everyday use. A standout feature of the plant is its digitally equipped smart control room, which connects over 3,000 individual components for real-time monitoring and diagnostics. Using AI-powered tools like Hubgrid, the plant can anticipate maintenance needs and fine-tune operations in real time. 'Digitalisation has given us a new level of control,' said Sergyous. 'We can detect issues before they happen, adjust our systems dynamically, and keep plant availability above 95 per cent—something that's essential for a critical utility like this.' As Oman moves to secure its water future in the face of environmental and demographic pressures, Barka IV stands as a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure powered by innovation and foresight.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman invites proposals to conduct feasibility studies for developing geothermal energy
Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (NPWP), Oman's state-owned power and water procurer has invited request for proposals (RFPs) from consultants to study the prospects for developing the Hot Springs Geothermal Project. The selected bidder will be responsible to conduct a feasibility assessment of the geothermal energy potential in specific pre-identified locations within the area between Wilayat Fanja and Al Ansab (Wilayat Bousher) in the first phase. The study components include resource assessment, economic and environment feasibility and strategic development plan, according to a LinkedIn post by NAMA. Oman is exploring geothermal energy as a sustainable reliable energy source to complement solar and wind energy, enhance grid stability and strengthen Oman's energy mix, the post said. Tender documents are available until 6 May 2025 and 22 May 2025 is the submission date. (Writing by Sowmya Sundar; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
