Oman has planned new solar and wind power projects to meet projected growing energy demands.
Gulf countries are steadily moving away from fossil-fuel dependence, moving more towards renewable energy to meet demand. Oman is eyeing a capacity of 2,200 MW of renewable energy by 2027.
Provisional plans drawn up by Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), the single buyer of all new electricity and water output, envision the need for a fourth solar photovoltaic-based Independent Power Project (IPP) to support growing electricity requirements.
The country’s maiden grid-connected solar scheme – the Ibri II IPP – came into operation in Al Dhahirah Governorate with a capacity of around 500 MW late last year. Two more solar projects — Manah I Solar and Manah II Solar IPP – are planned for implementation in the Wilayat of Manah, also in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate.
The procurement process for the development of a pair of 500 MW solar IPPs, located side-by-side in Manah, is expected to continue this year.
A fifth utility-scale solar PV project, tentatively slated for commercial launch in 2027, is envisioned in Al Wusta Governorate. Dubbed ‘Solar PV 2027’, the project will have a capacity of around 600 MW.
At least three wind-based projects are planned for procurement from 2021 to 2027, according to OPWP’s seven-year outlook.
Within the Main Interconnected System, a wind farm of around 100 MW is planned in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate. A pair of 100-metre high wind masts has been installed at specific locations within the wilayat for the collection of wind resource data.
In the Wilayat of Duqm, OPWP has plans to procure at least two wind projects of capacities ranging from 160-200 MW. Duqm II Wind IPP 2027, another utility-scale wind power project, is proposed to be developed at a site approximately 60 kilometres from Duqm City with a capacity of at least 160 MW.
In Dhofar Governorate, OPWP aims to develop a second wind energy farm, adjoining the country’s first wind project – Dhofar 1 Wind IPP – at Harweel. The new scheme, dubbed ‘Dhofar II Wind IPP’, is sized at around 100 MW of capacity.
