Latest news with #OmanElectricityTransmissionCompany
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
OETC completes fault current limiter project
MUSCAT: Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) announced the successful completion of all construction and commissioning works for the Fault Current Limiter (FCLR) project on the 132kV transmission network in Muscat. The project has a total investment value exceeding RO 4 million. The Fault Current Limiters (FCLs) are installed to limit fault current to a safe level without interrupting the circuit, thereby protecting transformers, circuit breakers, cables, and other infrastructure from excessive thermal and mechanical stress. They also help avoid costly equipment upgrades when fault levels exceed design ratings due to system growth or new network interconnections, and ensure the overall stability, safety, and reliability of the electricity network while maintaining uninterrupted power supply to other parts of the grid. This project is part of OETC's ongoing efforts to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the national transmission network, in line with the company's strategic objectives to improve efficiency, reduce system failures, and ensure swift emergency response using modern smart technologies and global best practices. Commenting on the achievement, Eng Masoud bin Salam al Riyami, Chief Operations Officer at OETC, stated: "This project marks a significant milestone in improving operational efficiency and the quality of power supply. It reflects our commitment to investing in smart infrastructure that ensures optimal grid performance and meets national energy development goals." He further highlighted the company's strategic five-year plans to assess network conditions and implement both current and future projects aimed at building a world-class smart grid capable of adapting to growing demand and sectoral transformation. "OETC is fully committed to continuous development, cost-effective investments, and adopting high-standard systems to maintain a reliable and sustainable power transmission network. The FCLR system is a key step in that journey," Al Riyami added. OETC, a member of Nama Group, is the only company responsible for the transmission and control of electricity across the Sultanate of Oman's network. The electricity is transmitted from production stations to distributed load centers in the governorates. The transmission network operates at a voltage of 132kV and above to cover All of the governorates in the Sultanate of Oman. Furthermore, OETC manages the interconnections between Oman and the GCC interconnection network, which operates at a voltage of 220kV.
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Fault Current Limiter System installation project completed
Muscat: Oman Electricity Transmission Company has completed all construction and operational works for the project to install a Fault Current Limiter System on the 132 kV network in Muscat Governorate, at a total cost exceeding OMR4 million. The fault current limiters are being installed to reduce fault current to a safe level without disconnecting the network, thereby protecting transformers, circuit breakers, cables, and other infrastructure from excessive thermal and mechanical stress. They also help avoid costly equipment upgrades when current levels exceed design limits due to system expansion or the integration of new networks, ensuring the stability, safety, and reliability of the electricity grid while maintaining continuous power supply to the rest of the network. This project is part of the company's ongoing efforts to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the national electricity transmission network, aligning with its strategic goals to improve efficiency, reduce system failures, and ensure rapid response through the use of the latest smart technologies and global best practices in the field. Eng. Masoud Salam Al Riyami, Head of Operations at Oman Electricity Transmission Company, explained that the project represents a significant strategic step in enhancing operational efficiency and power supply quality. It reflects the company's commitment to investing in smart infrastructure that ensures better grid performance and supports national energy development objectives. He noted that the company's five-year strategic plans for assessing the grid's condition and implementing future and current projects aim to build a smart transmission network that complies with the highest international standards, capable of keeping pace with growing demand and the energy sector's transformation. He emphasized the Company's commitment to continuous development, cost-effective investments, and the deployment of high-standard systems to maintain the reliability and sustainability of the electricity transmission network, stating that the Fault Current Limiter System is a key step toward fulfilling this commitment. It is worth mentioning that Oman Electricity Transmission Company, part of Nama Group, is responsible for transmitting and controlling electricity across Oman's transmission network. Electricity is transmitted from production stations to load centers distributed across all governorates. The transmission network operates at 132 kV and above, covering all governorates. The company also manages the interconnection lines between Oman and the GCC Grid at 220 kV.
Observer
27-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
OETC showcases 20 years of network growth and reliability
MUSCAT: Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), the majority state-owned owner and operator of Oman's national transmission grid, has highlighted significant achievements in the development of infrastructure, while driving safety and sustainability as well. The company achieved over 58 million safe man-hours, having also boosted the length of its grid to over 10,200 kilometres, while adding 10.65 per cent clean energy to the network. As the pioneer Omani organisation certified Integrated Management System in six strategic sectors, at a level of Omanisation of 97 per cent, OETC continues to be at the forefront of propelling the goals of Oman Vision 2040. These achievements were outlined during the annual press conference on May 27, 2025 organised by parent organisation Nama Group at the Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre. The new milestone in 58 million safe man-hours with no lost-time injury underscores its commitment towards workplace safety — one of the fundamental pillars of human well-being in the OETC Vision. OETC is also the first Omani organisation and one of the first in the GCC region, to attain Integrated Management System (IMS) certification across six significant areas: quality, environment, health & safety, asset management, business continuity and information security. Eng Saleh Nasser al Rumhi, OETC CEO, reaffirmed the company's vital role in Oman's power industry, saying that, "Since its establishment in 2005, OETC has been a pillar in the electricity sector, responsible for transmitting electricity from power generation stations to main load centres around the Sultanate of Oman. We manage the national grid, achieving a fine balance between supply and demand, high efficiency and cost-effective supply of electricity. OETC supplies electricity at 132 kV and above; and controls interconnection lines with the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) at 220 kV." Speaking about the company's growth, Al Rumhi added, "The national grid has been extended in the past 20 years according to international standards. We have built over 116 grid Stations, of which 17 are 400 kV running and increased our transmission lines to over 10,200 kilometres. All these have paid us rich dividends with superb operating performance, achieving 99.9999 per cent reliability and 98.1112 per cent availability. These achievements not only indicate OETC's operational success but also indicate its strategic alignment with Oman Vision 2040 to empower national talent, develop infrastructure and integrate clean energy.' According to Oman Vision 2040's sustainability goals, OETC increased the percentage of clean and renewable energy in its grid to 10.65 per cent (1,855 GWh), reaffirming Sultanate of Oman's move towards a cleaner future. Financial strength is another aspect, with a Ba2 (stable) rating by Moody's and BB+ (stable) rating by Fitch. Paying off the $1 billion "Lamar" Bond in its entirety is a testament to OETC's fiscal responsibility and investment capacity. Being 97 per cent Omanised, OETC also helps in empowering national capabilities, responding to Oman Vision 2040's call to build human capital.
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Green energy for Oman's smart city projects
MUSCAT: Oman's national grid will be suitably expanded and modernized to help meet a dramatic leap in the green energy requirements of a slate of Smart Cities and sustainable urban development schemes currently in various stages of early implementation in various parts of the Sultanate. According to Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), the majority-state-owned operator of the national grid, an upgrade of the Electricity Transmission Master-Plan for the 2025 – 2040 timeframe will factor in the clean energy demand projections of these landmark urban schemes. 'The plan ensures resilience, reliability, efficiency, and adaptability to future energy needs,' OETC – part of Nama Group – said. 'Additionally, the new plan will include, load forecasting, renewable energy integration plans, green hydrogen integration, transmission expansion planning, ancillary services analysis, economic and environmental assessments and potential cross-border interconnections,' it noted in its latest Annual Transmission Capability Statement. The master-plan envisions significant clean energy demand growth from, among other sectors, a large portfolio of sustainable smart cities being advanced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. 'These urban projects aim to enhance economic growth, sustainability, and quality of life by integrating smart infrastructure, green energy, and advanced technology,' said OETC in its statement. Topping the list in terms of anticipated energy demand is the Greater Muscat Structure Plan, an ambitious urban development scheme with a projected clean energy requirement of a hefty 5 gigawatts (GW) when it is fully implemented by 2040. A focused spatial development strategy for the sprawling 1360km² metropolitan region of the city also envisions investments in renewable energy, AI-driven urban services, and transport connectivity. Sultan Haitham City, the country's first fully smart city, is expected to have an energy demand of around 105 MW by 2040. Covering an area of 14.8 million square meters, the new city will comprise as many as 19 integrated neighborhoods to be built in four phases over a 22-year timeframe spanning the 2024 - 2045 period. When fully built out, it will accommodate over 100,000 inhabitants. The smart city will feature net-zero buildings, digital infrastructure, and electric transport. In Dhofar Governorate, the Greater Salalah Structure Plan envisions the development of a regional trade and tourism hub focusing on green infrastructure and wind energy integration. Energy demand is estimated at more than 200MW by 2040. A similar structure plan for Greater Nizwa entails the expansion of the historic city with an emphasis on water management and eco-tourism. Clean energy demand is projected at over 400 MW by 2040. Likewise, the Ibri Structural Plan – centring on the establishment of a logistics and renewable energy hub supporting solar and wind power projects – estimates clean energy demand at more than 350MW by 2040. In Suhar, a new smart industrial and residential city is envisaged with the goal of enhancing Oman's role as a trade and logistics center. The estimated energy demand of the city is more than 240MW by 2040. 'OETC plays a vital role in integrating these smart cities into a reliable, efficient, and future-ready power grid. The main areas of integration include renewable energy by expanding transmission networks to support solar, wind, and decentralized power generation, Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure by establishing smart EV charging networks across new urban areas and grid expansion via enhancing transmission lines and reactive power compensation to support urban growth,' the grid operator added.
Observer
26-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
OETC completes full repayment of $ 1 billion "Lamar" bonds
MUSCAT: Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), a member of the Nama Group, has announced the full repayment of its $ 1 billion "Lamar" bonds, which were issued in 2015 to finance strategic infrastructure projects in the electricity transmission sector across the Sultanate of Oman. This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the company's financial journey, underscoring its commitment to governance excellence, financial sustainability and a long-term strategic vision aligned with national energy objectives. Citi Bank, which coordinated the repayment process, confirmed that this achievement reflects the robustness of OETC's financial structure and the strength of its global relationships with financial partners. The successful settlement also enhances the company's credit profile in regional and international markets, positioning it to secure new financing opportunities to support current and future projects crucial to Oman's energy transition. Commenting on this occasion, Ali al Reesi, Chief Financial Officer at OETC, stated: "Our successful repayment of these financial obligations clearly demonstrates our financial stability and the depth of our relationships with leading international financial institutions. Over the past years, we've maintained a commitment to transparency and financial discipline, allowing us to preserve high credit ratings with global agencies." Al Reesi added: "We've invested in upgrading our infrastructure and strengthening the resilience of the national transmission network to keep pace with the growing demand for electricity in Oman. Today, we proudly mark the full repayment of bonds issued a decade ago, a testament to the effectiveness of our financial and operational strategies; and our commitment to supporting the national energy transition goals."
