New partnership eyed for $3 bn Salalah AI data park

MUSCAT, NOV 3
Mubbadrah Investments, the Omani investment group spearheading a proposed $3 billion AI data centre and green computing park in Salalah, is advancing discussions with Singapore-based PCG Global and its Omani partner AB Energy to develop an integrated renewable energy solution capable of supporting the project's substantial electricity requirements.
The latest engagement, taking place in Beijing following earlier discussions in London, centres on evaluating a combination of solar and wind generation, battery energy storage and grid integration to provide reliable, competitively priced electricity around the clock.
Yasser al Barami, CEO of Mubbadrah Investments, said the proposed collaboration represents an important step towards developing a practical energy infrastructure framework for the planned AI computing campus, which targets an eventual capacity of up to 400 MW, with potential for further expansion.
Mubbadrah, which leads the development consortium as anchor investor, is coordinating the project's investment strategy and development alongside international technology, infrastructure and energy partners.
Under the proposed arrangement, PCG Global would contribute expertise in integrated energy system design, technology selection and technical and commercial assessments. The Singapore-based company was founded by the team behind PCG Power, a Chinese distributed energy operator with a portfolio of 2.3 GW of solar assets.
AB Energy, meanwhile, would provide the local implementation interface, undertaking site and infrastructure assessments, engaging relevant government authorities and electricity network stakeholders, and evaluating potential construction, operating and delivery arrangements.
Abdullah al Saidi, Founder and CEO of AB Energy, welcomed the company's involvement, highlighting its capabilities in developing reliable, large-scale off-grid renewable energy solutions. He expressed confidence that the collaboration could contribute to Oman's emerging role in clean energy-powered AI infrastructure.
According to Al Barami, Salalah offers a compelling combination of international subsea cable connectivity, port and airport infrastructure, and access to Dhofar's considerable renewable energy resources.
The broader project was unveiled in London in October by a consortium comprising Mubbadrah Investments, Sustopia Capital, Vela Tech and O2 Global Energy. Designed for hyperscale computing operators, the proposed campus will support energy-intensive AI training and inference workloads.
The original development announcement envisaged 400 MW of solar generation with battery storage, alongside grid electricity, with O2 Global Energy identified as a renewable power development partner. US-based AI infrastructure specialist Crusoe has also expressed preliminary interest as a potential offtaker of computing capacity.
Al Barami said the wider ambition is to position Oman as a producer and exporter of advanced computing services while creating opportunities for Omani professionals and businesses to participate in the emerging AI infrastructure industry.