MUSCAT: Under the auspices of Abdulsalam bin Mohammed al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority (OIA), Nama Power and Water Procurement (NPWP) inaugurated the Barka Desalination Plant — Phase V in Al Batinah South Governorate, Wilayat of Barka.
Spanning 38,000 square metres, the facility has a production capacity of 100,000 cubic metres of desalinated water per day, using advanced reverse osmosis technology. The project, worth approximately RO 52 million, began commercial operations on June 22, 2024, aiming to meet Oman’s growing water needs while ensuring sustainability.
Al Murshidi highlighted the plant’s alignment with Oman Vision 2040’s infrastructure goals. He remarked: “This project reflects the OIA's decentralisation approach to support governorate development while boosting local economic growth through opportunities for small and medium enterprises and job creation.”
Ahmed bin Salim al Abri, CEO of Nama Power and Water Procurement, lauded stakeholders for completing the project ahead of schedule, noting its significance in expanding Oman’s water infrastructure. “Our average daily desalinated water production has surged from 220,000 cubic metres in 2005 to over 1.15 million cubic metres in 2024, with a 9% annual growth rate. We expect this to reach 2 million cubic metres per day by 2030,” he said.
The plant was developed by GS Inima, a global leader in water desalination with over six decades of expertise. Juan Jose Benayas, CEO of GS Inima Barka 5 Desalination Company, said: “Barka V is our first Middle East project, built entirely by GS Inima in under 27 months with zero-accidents. We achieved over 55% Omani content, and since June 2024, a fully Omani team has operated the plant.”
He added that GS Inima plans to construct a solar PV plant in 2025 to enhance the plant’s sustainability and profitability. The Barka V project was financed by the Korea Ex-Im Bank, Bank Muscat, and Standard Chartered.
The inauguration ceremony featured speeches from project leaders, a video presentation on the plant’s development, and a symbolic electronic unveiling to mark the official opening of the facility.
The project underscores Oman’s commitment to water security and sustainable development through public-private partnerships, setting a benchmark for future desalination initiatives across the Sultanate of Oman.
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