The Sultanate of Oman aims to enhance energy security for a sustainable future and balance the requirements of sustainable development with the optimal use of natural resources to grow the national economy and reduce the effects of climate change. Electricity production from renewable energy sources this year reached about 650 MWh. The goal is to reach 3,350 MW by 2027.
The Sultanate of Oman is working on an ambitious plan to promote the orientation towards renewable energy sources through many diverse projects that translate the priority of the environment and natural resources in Oman Vision 2040 through a strategic direction based on the creation of effective, balanced and flexible ecosystems to protect the environment and sustain its natural resources in support of the national economy.
This transformation is achieved by raising the proportion of renewable energy consumption and reducing the dependence on natural gas in the production and exploitation of electricity in other areas such as industry, as well as raising the proportion of renewable energy consumption of the total energy consumption in the main grid by 20 per cent by 2030, in addition to strengthening the environmental performance index to be among the top 40 countries around the world.
The Sultanate of Oman began operating the first renewable energy project for the Dhofar Wind Power Plant in Dhofar Governorate in 2019 with a production capacity of 50 MW sufficient to cover 16,000 homes and contribute to reducing 116,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
In 2020, the Amin Solar Power Plant project was inaugurated with a production capacity of 100 MW sufficient to cover 15,000 homes and contribute to reducing 225,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The biggest renewable energy project to day is the Ibri Solar Power Plant, with its 1.005 million bifacial social panels. Built on an area of 13 million square metres, it was inaugurated earlier this year with a production capacity of 500 MW sufficient to cover 50,000 homes and contribute to a reduction of 340,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
One of the most important projects planned to be established in the renewable energy sector is Manah 1 and 2 solar power plants with an estimated production capacity of 1000 MW for the two plants. Together, they will help 680,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually when they start commercial operation by the end of 2024.
Also envisaged is a Concentrated Solar Power project with thermal storage near the Special Economic Zone of Duqm and the establishment of a wind farm with a production capacity of about 100 MW in the state of Jaalan Bani Bu Ali in the Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah. Furthermore, at least two wind power projects with capacities ranging from 160-200 MW are planned in Duqm.
In Dhofar Governorate, there are plans to establish a Dhofar-2 wind farm development project with a production capacity of about 100 MW, alongside Dhofar Wind Power Plant.
In January this year, Oman inaugurated the Middle East’s first Spot Market, in a move aimed at liberalising the electricity market and attracting more investment in renewable energy. — ONA
