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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.
Times of Oman
27-01-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
OETC launches green financing framework to support Oman's green economy transformation
Muscat: As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and in alignment with the high standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) has recently launched its Green Financing Framework (the Framework). This strategic initiative aims to support the company's goals in Oman's transition towards a low carbon economy, in line with the national objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The OETC's Green Financing Framework was structured in collaboration with the 'Citi Bank'. This Framework allows the company to increase its funding potentials through green bonds, sukuks, and green loans, which will be dedicated to green investments in areas such as electricity transmission, renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, sustainable water and wastewater management, and pollution prevention and control. These efforts aim to enhance the reduction of carbon emissions, improve energy security, and ensure grid reliability, among other benefits. OETC is well-positioned for success in this area, with one of its main strengths being its focus on transmitting clean and renewable energy through its nationwide electricity transmission network. The company has also received a Second Party Opinion ('SPO') from Det Norske Veritas ('DNV'), which confirmed that the Framework aligns with the latest guidelines of the Green Bond Principles issued by the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), as well as the Green Loan Principles set by the Loan Market Association ('LMA'), Loan Syndications and Trading Association ('LSTA'), and Asia Pacific Loan Market Association ('APLMA'). Reaffirming OETC's commitment to the low carbon transition, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al Rumhi, the CEO of OETC, highlighted the company's efforts, plans, and initiatives, along with the various projects it is implementing to strengthen the green and renewable energy sector. He also emphasized the meticulous steps the company is taking to grow in this area, adhering to internationally approved frameworks, regulations, and standards. Al Rumhi added, "Launching OETC's Green Financing Framework is a significant and bold step, and part of the strategies for enabling a more sustainable future for Oman and its economy. This initiative not only enhances our position as a responsible and leading company and as enablers of this green transformation but also supports Oman's broader objectives and contributes to achieving Oman Vision 2040." It is worth mentioning that OETC, a member of Nama Group, is the only company responsible for the transmission and control of electricity across the Sultanate'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 most of the governorates in the Sultanate, whether in the north or the south. Furthermore, OETC manages the interconnection lines between Oman and the GCC interconnection network, which operates at a voltage of 220kV.
