Pact for Oman’s first utility-scale solar and battery storage project signed

Muscat: Agreement for Oman’s first utility-scale solar and battery storage project with an investment worth of OMR115 million was signed on Monday.

Nama Power and Water Procurement (PWP) signed the agreement with the consortium of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar, Al Khadra Partners, Korea Midland Power Co. (KOMIPO), and OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE). 

The Abu Dhabi-based Masdar, a global clean energy leader, will lead the consortium developing the Ibri III Solar Independent Power Project, which combines a 500-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic (PV) plant with a 100-megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). The scope of the project includes design, construction, ownership, financing, operation and maintenance of the plant and storage system.

The signing ceremony of the power purchase agreement (PPA) for the project, was held under the auspices of Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.

Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, said: "The signing of the agreement for the Ibri III Solar Power Plant is a milestone in the Sultanate of Oman’s transition towards renewable energy. This strategic project, covering an area of nearly 10 million square metres with a generation capacity of 500MW, and battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity of 100MWh, embodies our commitment to achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and reaching Net Zero by 2050.”

“With an investment of around OMR115 million, the project reflects the confidence of our partners and investors in Oman’s business environment. The project will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 505,000 tonnes annually, and contribute up to an additional 4 percent of renewable energy in the total electricity generation mix.”

“The signing of this agreement marks a significant achievement in renewable energy from both technical and economic aspects. It also delivers an inspiring message that the Sultanate of Oman is steadily advancing towards a sustainable future, built on energy diversification, enhanced energy security, strengthened economic competitiveness, and the consolidation of Oman’s position as a regional hub for clean energy," he further added.

Ahmed Salim Al Abri, Chief Executive Officer at Nama Power and Water Procurement, said: “At Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, we take great pride in collaborating with our strategic local and international consortium partners on the Ibri III Solar Power Project.”

“This project not only reaffirms Nama Power and Water Procurement’s commitment to the transition towards renewable energy but also stands as a practical model of the Sultanate of Oman’s vision to synergise efforts between the public and private sectors in bringing about a qualitative transformation and state of art solution in the field of renewable energy and storage systems,” he added.

“The project forms part of the national endeavours to achieve a sustainable economic and social future. Furthermore, Nama Power and Water Procurement attaches great importance to In-Country Value (ICV) and the development of small and medium enterprises, through its ICV programme and the allocation of a share of contracted works to local companies, in order to ensure their economic growth, create job opportunities in the local market, and reduce reliance on external imports,” he further pointed out.

Mohammed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar, said: “This project will help the Sultanate of Oman to address the energy needs of today, while helping to create new jobs, drive socioeconomic growth and prepare for the growing demands of tomorrow. Alongside our consortium partners, we look forward to working closely with Nama Power and Water Procurement and the Government of Oman in developing this project and delivering sustainable, secure energy to the people of Oman.”

The Ibri III project is a key element in Oman’s policy to diversify energy resources to meet growing electricity demand, with Oman Vision 2040 including the objective of generating 30 percent of electricity from renewables by 2030. Once operational, Ibri III will produce enough electricity to power around 33,000 homes, while avoiding approximately 505,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Eng. Abdullah Rashid Al Sawafi, PWP’s Chief Energy Transition Officer, said: “Nama Power and Water Procurement is a national and regional pioneer in implementing the concept of public–private partnership (PPP). Work strategies have been set to ensure the provision of adequate electricity generation capacity to meet the growing demand for power in the Sultanate of Oman.”

“Over the past fifteen years, the company has successfully developed 26 power generation and water desalination plants, attracting foreign investments of no less than $11 billion. Over the next five years, the company aims to attract a further $5 billion in foreign investments.”

“Renewable energy and storage technologies will account for the largest share of these investments, as the company plans to add renewable energy capacities of up to 9 gigawatts by 2030, representing around 60% of contracted capacities, to ensure the achievement of Oman Vision 2040’s target of 30% generation of electricity from renewable sources,” he further added.

Ghalib Al Maamari, Acting CEO of OQAE commented: “Today’s signing marks the beginning of OQAE’s committed involvement in all renewable energy projects to be procured for the national grid by Nama Power and Water Procurement Company. This milestone reinforces OQAE’s role as the national champion for renewable energy, strengthening energy security and maximizing the economic impact of Oman’s energy transition.”

Sheikha Hind Bahwan, Chairperson of Al Khadra Partners commented: “We are delighted to be part of this transformative solar and battery energy storage system project. Together with our valued partners Masdar, KOMIPO and OQAE our consortium is united in a vision and commitment to deliver this groundbreaking project. This project will reinforce Oman’s leadership in the energy transition and create lasting environmental and economic value for the Sultanate of Oman and its citizens.”

Lee Young-jo, CEO of KOMIPO, said: “Korea Midland Power Co. Ltd is deeply honored to participate in the Ibri III solar and BESS project, a landmark initiative that reflects Oman’s commitment to expanding renewable energy. Building on our proven expertise in both thermal and renewable power generation since 2001, we will contribute to the successful delivery of this project by leveraging our global development and operational capabilities across the United States, Europe, and Asia.”

“Through this, we will provide advanced technical know-how and operational excellence. Together with our consortium partners, we are committed to supporting the realisation of Oman Vision 2040 and contributing to the nation’s path toward sustainable growth,” he added.