2 minute read
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?
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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