The Green Movement

Eng. Hamed Saleh Saif Al Foori, Project Implementation and Contracts Senior Engineer, Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, shares insights on the future of Oman’s energy sector and company’s drive to clean energy generation

Can you give us an overview of the IBRI II Solar IPP and some of its salient features?

Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has taken key steps to achieve the renewable energy targets set by the country. Among those capacities, which have been developed with the collaboration of the private sector is Ibri II Solar Independent Power Plant (IPP), which is currently the largest Photovoltaic (PV) solar plant connected directly to the main electricity grid. The Ibri II Solar IPP has an operating capacity of 500 MW and contains about 1.5mn solar PV modules that can generate electricity from both sides of the panel. They are equipped with up-to-date technology, including robotic cleaning systems as well as a system that always tracks the radiance of the sun to maximise efficiency of the plant. This plant undertakes a significant role in reducing Oman’s carbon footprint by an estimated 340,000 tons of CO2 per year.

Oman’s National Energy Strategy aims to generate 30 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. How is Oman Power & Water Procurement Company promoting this shift towards a green economy?

The shift towards the green economy as well as the targets set by the authorities, including the regulator – Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) – and the Ministry of Energy and Minerals as the policymaker is to ensure that we are going to achieve the national targets set in the renewable energy space. This is crucial as we look to reduce the nation’s reliance on natural gas used in the utility sector as well as to promote new technology coming into the country. It all commenced with the Dhofar Wind IPP – which was the first wind project in the region. That was the starting point for OPWP. Today, we have the Ibri II Solar IPP in operation, and other solar projects such as the Manah 1 and 2, with a total capacity of 1000 MW, are in the pipeline. OPWP will continue in this direction to achieve the government set targets.

How do you foresee the Sultanate of Oman’s potential in the renewable energy space?

Oman has a huge potential in the renewable energy space. This includes wind, solar, and other natural resources that can support in achieving the country’s renewable energy targets, support economic growth, and backing energy transition plans. This is coupled with a track record of ability to partner with the private sector in developing IPPs in a transparent regulatory environment.

POWER PROJECTS in the Sultanate of Oman

Musandam IPP - 123

Sohar II IPP - 766

Sohar III IPP - 1,744

Waste to Energy - 140

Barka II IWPP - 688

Barka III IPP - 766

Rusail IPP - 180

Sur IPP - 2,018

Ibri II Solar IPP - 500

Ibri IPP - 1,539

Dhofar I Wind IPP - 50

Ibri III Solar IPP - 500

Manah IPP - 180

Manah I Solar IPP - 500 Manah II Solar IPP - 500

Jalan Bani Bu Ali Wind IPP - 100

Duqm Wind IPP - 200

Dhofar II Wind IPP - 100

OPERATIONAL PRE-DEVELOPMENT

Map is not an authority on International boundaries

Salalah IWPP - 445

Salalah II IPP - 717