MUSCAT: Construction work on two solar PV-based Independent Power Projects will commence in the Wilayat of Manah in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate in the third quarter of this year.
It follows a decision by the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) to approve the award of the two solar-powered projects by Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), a member of Nama Group.
Total investment in the two solar projects, dubbed ‘Manah-1’ and ‘Manah-2’ and of 500 MW capacity each, is around RO 300 million. Together, they will offer a combined renewable capacity of around 1,000 MW. Renewable electricity output from the two plants will be procured by OPWP under long-term power purchase agreements.
Manah-1 and Manah-2 will contribute to Oman’s strategic national goal to achieve Net Zero by 2050. When operational by mid-2025, they will account for 6.6 per cent of Oman’s total electricity output. Oman Vision 2040 aims to achieve a 30 per cent share from renewables by the year 2030. It is hoped that such projects will contribute to the transfer of expertise to Omani youth, and strengthen the local market through in-country value (ICV) approach.
Covering a total area of 15 million square metres, the two projects will feature around 2.82 million solar panels as part of Oman’s biggest solar PV based venture.
APSR had previously approved the plan to establish the two solar projects as part of OPWP’s 7-Year Outlook statement, ensuring that the procurement of the two projects by competitive tender was fair and transparent.
Oman aims to secure 39 per cent of its electricity requirements from renewabls sources by 2040.
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