Oman is accelerating its solar energy initiatives, with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals focusing on increased domestic electricity production and export potential. This effort includes significant projects like the Ibri II Solar Plant, which started operations in 2022, and the landmark Manah I and II Solar Plants.
Omanโs Solar Energy Progress in Detail
Oman is making significant strides in solar energy, driven by its Ministry of Energy and Minerals’ dedication to boosting domestic electricity production and export potential. The countryโs vast desert landscapes and abundant sunshine make it an ideal location for solar energy projects, a fact detailed in the latest Oman Solar Production Report.
Key projects include the Ibri II Solar Plant, which began operations in 2022, and the much-anticipated Manah I and II Solar Plants. Ibri II โ Oman’s largest utility-scale solar plant โ generates 500MW of power and features 1.4 million solar panels.
The plant is managed by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, Gulf Investment Corporation, and Kuwait’s Alternative Energy Projects Company. The consortium has a 15-year power purchase agreement with the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), providing electricity to 50,000 homes and reducing carbon emissions by 340,000 tonnes annually.
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The Manah I and II Solar Plants, located in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, represent another leap forward. With a combined capacity of over 1,000 MW, these projects are crucial to the national grid. In a significant development, the Manah 2 solar project launches ahead of schedule, bringing its 588 MW capacity online and marking a major milestone in the country’s clean energy journey. Together, these plants are expected to supply electricity to over 200,000 homes and cut carbon emissions by more than 680,000 tonnes annually.
Battery Storage Integration for Oman solar energy
In addition to these large-scale solar projects, Oman is strategically integrating battery storage to enhance grid stability and reliability. Recognizing that solar power is intermittent, the OPWP has launched a procurement process for a 1,000MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity, to be deployed in phases across three sites in Ibri, Nizwa, and Al Suwaiq.
State-owned entities like Nama Electricity Distribution are emphasizing the importance of these hybrid systems. Oman recently signed a landmark deal for its first large-scale solar and battery storage plant, a critical step in creating a resilient power grid. This approach supports Oman’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 by making renewable energy more consistent and efficient.
This project is part of Omanโs broader strategy to develop a 1.5GW BESS by 2027, which will help integrate solar and wind energy into the national grid, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support the countryโs ambitious renewable energy goals.
Future Solar Energy Projects in Oman
Oman is planning several other solar energy projects, including the 500MW Ibri III Solar Plant in the Al Dhahirah Governorate, the 500MW Sohar Solar Plant, and the 500MW Duqm Solar Plant. These projects are expected to be completed by 2027 and will further contribute to Omanโs renewable energy capacity.
Beyond generation, Oman is also stepping into the manufacturing sector. JA Solar has announced a 3 GW solar module production facility in the country, a move that will bolster Oman’s domestic supply chain and manufacturing capabilities. Understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing is key to appreciating the significance of this development for the nation’s economy.
The Ministry of Energy and Minerals has set a target to generate 30% of Oman’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with solar energy playing a crucial role. The country also aims to become a major exporter of green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy.
Omanโs Growing Role in Global Solar Energy
Omanโs commitment to solar energy is part of a broader trend in the Middle East, where countries are increasingly investing in renewables to diversify their economies. This regional shift is creating vast opportunities, with a similar push for solar manufacturing in the UAE highlighting a collective move towards energy independence and technological leadership. Oman is emerging as a key player in this rapidly growing sector, particularly in pioneering hybrid wind-solar-storage mega-projects.
As Oman continues to expand its solar capacity, the country is also exploring opportunities to export electricity to neighboring countries. This could position Oman as a regional hub for renewable energy, supplying clean power across the Middle East and beyond.
The governmentโs focus on solar energy is also aligned with Oman Vision 2040, a long-term development plan that aims to diversify the economy and promote sustainable growth. By investing in renewable energy, Oman is laying the foundation for a more resilient and environmentally friendly economy. These projects represent a significant step forward in the countryโs efforts to transition to a low-carbon future.
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