MUSCAT: In a move aimed at transforming the growing demand for electrical sector components and equipment into investment and industrial opportunities within the Sultanate of Oman, 10 agreements were signed with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local and international companies to localise the manufacturing of key components used in the electrical transformer industry.
The expected investments in these agreements amount to approximately RO 15 million and they fall under the "Localise It: From Vision to Partnerships" initiative organised by the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), in cooperation with Voltamp Energy.
The signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals; and in the presence of Her Highness Sayyidah Mayyan bint Shihab al Said, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Voltamp; and Dr Mansour bin Talib al Hinai, Chairman of the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), among other officials.
The agreements encompass the establishment of seven new factories and the addition of new production lines at two existing factories, thereby strengthening the local manufacturing base, increasing local content and supporting the development of supply chains related to the electricity sector.
The projects include the establishment of seven factories to manufacture eight essential components of electrical transformers, in addition to adding new production lines at two existing factories to manufacture two essential components of electrical transformers. The projects are expected to be built on a proposed total area of 34,000 sq metres, providing numerous job opportunities for Omanis, as well as indirect employment opportunities in related service sectors and supporting industries. The projects will commence commercial production during 2027-2028.
APSR Chairman Dr Mansour bin Talib al Hinai affirmed that the agreements represent a practical step towards localising strategic industries, enhancing local content and enabling SMEs to integrate into industrial value chains. This will contribute to expanding investment and production opportunities, increasing local added value and strengthening the competitiveness of the national economy.
Dr Al Hinai explained that the rapid growth in electricity, energy, transmission and distribution, renewable energy and green hydrogen projects underscores the need to build a national industrial base capable of efficiently, reliably and with high quality to meet the needs of these sectors.
Al Hinai pointed out that localising the manufacturing of electrical transformer components is an investment in human capital before it is an investment in industry, as it provides opportunities for knowledge transfer, developing national talent, creating quality job opportunities, attracting investments and developing national institutions.
For her part, HH Sayyidah Mayyan bint Shihab al Said, Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Voltamp, pointed out that the success of the initiative could serve as the initial spark for pioneering and far-reaching national initiatives across various sectors, thus strengthening the role of local industry and opening new horizons for partnerships and investments.
Maryam al Araimi of Al Maha Ideal Solutions said the agreement with Voltamp Energy presents an opportunity for the company to expand into Gulf and global markets by supplying control panels and control valves. The project, valued at approximately RO 500,000, is located in Al Rusayl Industrial City and the factory will commence trial operations within eight months, she noted.
Rashad al Sulti, Chief Operating Officer of United Engineering Services, commented: “The agreement represents a significant economic partnership for the local manufacturing of specialized transformer tanks in the Sultanate of Oman for the first time. This work will be carried out as part of the company's expansion”.
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