MUSCAT: Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP) yesterday signed an agreement with a consortium led by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) to develop the first utility-scale solar power plant with a battery storage system in the Sultanate of Oman, with an investment of RO 115 million.
The project, formally known as the Ibri III Solar Power Project, will be established in Al Dhahirah Governorate with a capacity of up to 500 megawatts (MW) powering approximately 33,000 homes. It will be integrated with a 100 MWh battery storage system.
The consortium also groups Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO), and Al Khadra Partners (Oman). The project scope includes the design, construction, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the plant and the energy storage system.
In opening remarks, Eng. Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, explained that Ibri III Solar represents a qualitative addition to Oman's journey towards renewable energy. Spanning an area of around 10 million m2, the project embodies the country’s commitment to achieving the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and achieving net neutrality by 2050. The project will also contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 505,000 tonnes annually, in addition to increasing the contribution of renewable energy by 4 percentage points.
Oman, Al Aufi stressed, is steadily moving towards a sustainable future based on diversifying energy sources, enhancing supply security, supporting the competitiveness of the national economy, and consolidating its position as a leading regional center in the field of clean energy.
Ahmed bin Salem al Abri, CEO of Nama Power and Water Procurement, said: “The project not only confirms Nama PWP’s commitment to the energy transition, but also represents a practical model for Oman’s vision of combining public and private sector efforts to bring about a qualitative transformation in the field of renewable energy and storage systems. It also represents part of the national efforts to achieve a sustainable economic and social future,” he stated
Mohammed Jameel al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said: "The project will contribute to meeting Oman's current energy needs, creating new job opportunities, driving economic and social development, and meeting the growing demand for energy in the future.”
Eng Abdullah Rashid al Sawafi, Chief Energy Transition Officer at Nama Power and Water Procurement, said: “Over the past 15 years, the company has secured contracts with 26 power generation and water desalination plants, attracting foreign investments of no less than US$11 billion. Over the next five years, the company aims to attract foreign investments of up to US$5 billion.”
Nama PWP is also targeting the addition of up to 9 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, representing 60 percent of the contracted capacity, to ensure the achievement of the Oman Vision 2040 target of achieving 30 percent of energy production from renewable sources.
For his part, Ghaleb al Mamari, Acting CEO of OQ Alternative Energy, said: “The project consolidates OQ Alternative Energy’s position as a leading national entity in the field of renewable energy, contributes to enhancing energy security and doubling the economic impact of the transformation process in the Omani energy sector.”
Shaikha Hind bint Suhail Bahwan, Chairwoman of Al Khadra, said: “The project will contribute to strengthening the Sultanate of Oman’s pioneering efforts to achieve energy transformation and advance sustainable environmental and economic development, benefiting the Sultanate of Oman and its citizens.”
Lee Young-joo, CEO of Korea Midland Power Co., Ltd., said: “The development of the Ibri III Solar and Energy Storage project embodies Oman’s commitment to enhancing reliance on renewable energy sources. We look forward to cooperating to achieve the goals of Oman Vision 2040 and contribute to the sustainable development process in the Sultanate of Oman.”
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
