Industry News

Power sector reforms unlock benefits for Oman

18 March 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

MUSCAT: The liberalisation and privatisation of Oman’s electricity sector over the past two decades have delivered significant benefits, including attracting substantial foreign direct investment (FDI), enhancing supply security and quality, reducing technical losses, and accelerating the transition to renewables, according to a senior official at the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR).
Eng Hilal al Ghaithi, Director of Energy, highlighted that sectoral reforms initiated in 2005 — and rooted as early as 1999 when Oman became the first in the region to legalise wholly private-owned Independent Power Projects (IPPs) — have transformed the country’s electricity market.

10 sites identified for potential pumped hydro storage in Oman

14 March 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

Building on Oman’s efforts to deploy sufficient energy storage capacity to address grid intermittency challenges associated with the renewable energy transition, Oman’s authorities have identified approximately 10–11 sites suitable for pumped hydro storage around the country. The revelation comes in a new Advisory Report published by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP). Compiled by Oxford Business Group, the report outlines high-growth opportunities in key sectors, notably energy. “Cutting-edge energy storage systems and intelligent grid technologies are currently under evaluation to optimise renewable energy integration,” the report said. “These advanced solutions aim to address intermittency challenges and enhance overall grid reliability, including energy storage.”

Smart parking and EV charging to transform urban mobility in Oman

02 March 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

In a move set to redefine urban mobility in Oman, EV Technology has entered into a strategic partnership with Naviparking to integrate smart parking solutions with electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The collaboration aims to alleviate parking congestion while promoting sustainable transportation across the country. With Oman’s urban centres experiencing rapid growth, parking scarcity and traffic congestion have become pressing challenges. The increasing number of vehicles, particularly in metropolitan areas, has led to inefficiencies in parking space utilisation.

Oman’s HyDuqm GH2 project targets $7-8bn investment

1 March 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

An international consortium, jointly led by global low-carbon energy developer ENGIE and Korean steel conglomerate POSCO, has secured a 340 km2 concession block in Duqm for the project – one of eight land blocks awarded by Hydrom, the country’s GH2 orchestrator, to international developers so far. The project will include up to approximately 5 GW of new wind and solar capacity, and a renewable hydrogen plant with a capacity of up to 200,000 tonnes per annum (tpa). The hydrogen will then be transported by a hydrogen pipeline to an ammonia plant at the Port of Duqm. Green ammonia of around 1.2 million tpa is proposed to be shipped to Korea starting in 2030.

First large-scale energy storage project advances

24 February 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

The agreements will build on a landmark MoU signed in July 2023 by Energy Dome, an Italian-based tech start-up, with Takhzeen, a 100 per cent subsidiary of publicly traded Omani firm ONEIC. Milan-headquartered Energy Dome’s revolutionary CO2-based energy storage battery system enables the round-the-clock dispatch of renewable electricity from solar and wind sources. In remarks to the Observer, Paul Smith, SVP Global Sales — Energy Dome, described the project as a “game-changer” for Oman’s Net-Zero goals. “This is a big, commercial-scale project that will make a meaningful contribution to Oman’s energy transition. It is set to be the first energy storage project of its kind in the Middle East based on CO2 battery energy storage technology. A site has been identified for the establishment for this project.”

Pact inked for Oman’s biggest solar rooftop project

10 February 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) will hold its annual media meeting in Muscat on Monday, with the participation of a number of Their Excellencies the Undersecretaries and CEOs of licenced companies operating in the energy, sustainable energy, water, sanitation and natural gas sectors.

The meeting will witness the announcement of a package of strategic partnerships in the field of sustainable energy within the framework of supporting the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts to achieve net zero neutrality in cooperation with a number of government agencies and licenced companies.

4 groups in fray for Ibri III Solar project in northwest Oman

17 February 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

In the fray for the 500 MW capacity project, estimated to cost RO 155 million, are: (i) the consortium of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar), Korea Midland Power (KOMIPO), and Al Khadra Partners; (ii) ACWA Power and TotalEnergies Renewables; (iii) EDF Renouvelables and Korean Western Power (KOWEPO); and (iv) Sembcorp Utilities. Scheduled for commercial launch in the first quarter of 2027, the Ibri III Solar IPP is set to be the fourth large-scale solar energy project prepped for implementation in Oman. It will come up on a 10 million m2 site adjoining the 500 MW capacity Ibri II Solar IPP – the country’s first solar PV scheme that came into operation in January 2022. Manah Solar I and Manah Solar II, the country’s second and third solar PV schemes, were brought into operation earlier this year with a combined capacity of 1000 MW in the Wilayat of Manah (Al Dakhiliyah Governorate).

Pact inked for Oman’s biggest solar rooftop project

10 February 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

Oman National Engineering & Investment Co (ONEIC), a publicly traded electrical and renewable energy contractor, has announced the signing of a contract for the implementation of what is billed as Oman’s largest solar rooftop project to date. It centres on the installation of a 3.5 MW capacity solar rooftop system atop the sprawling food canning plant of International Sea Food Company SAOC (Simak) at Duqm SEZ in Al Wusta Governorate. Announcing the project in a post, Ahmed al Hajri, General Manager — ONEIC, said: “In a groundbreaking move to advance renewable energy solutions in Oman, Simak (ISFC) and ONEIC (Oman National Engineering and Investment Company) signed a strategic agreement to execute the Sultanate of Oman’s largest solar rooftop project. The project is signed on a Design, Build, Operate and Transfer (DBOT) basis for a capacity of 3.5 MW on-grid solar power plant system for the ISFC Seafood Canning Factory.”

With a cost of OMR 72 Million, ground breaking ceremony held for Masirah Island electricity project

6 February 2025 – Source: Times of Oman

The Sultanate of Oman celebrated the groundbreaking of the Masirah Island electricity connection project, with an estimated total cost of OMR 72 million.

This project is the first of its kind in Oman, aiming to connect Masirah Island to the main electricity transmission network.

The project includes the construction of a 132/33 kV Masirah Island power station, a 132 kV submarine cable stretching 25 kilometers, 9 kilometers of 132 kV underground lines, and 60 kilometers of 132 kV overhead transmission lines to connect Mahout Station (400/132 kV) with Masirah Station.

Oman’s Abraj Energy awarded three rigs extension Contract

5 February 2025 – Source: Saudi Gulf Projects

Abraj Energy Services, Oman announces the award of an extension for three of its rigs with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO).

The extension includes two rigs for one year concluding in December 2026 and one rig for six months concluding in January 2027. The expected revenue from these three extensions is approximately OMR 9 million. The company stated that, “Abraj remains dedicated to delivering tailored well engineering solutions to meet the evolving demands of Oman’s Oil and Gas landscape, reflecting company ongoing support towards Oman’s Energy vision. This extension is granted as result to company excellent performance and commitment in both operation and HSE”.

Oman’s new renewables policy to drive investments in energy storage

2 February 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

A new policy framework unveiled by Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals last week is expected to lend new impetus to the growth of integrated renewable energy capacity, encompassing not only generation and transmission, but crucially, energy storage as well. Investments in energy storage, while a critical component of clean energy infrastructure, have lagged in the Sultanate of Oman, among other markets around the world, chiefly because of high, upfront capital costs, as well as concerns over energy efficiency. Regardless, their importance is never in doubt when it comes to securing constant renewable energy supply, ensuring grid reliability and power quality, and enabling the scale-up of renewable capacity.

OETC unveils green financing framework to drive low-carbon economy

28 January 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) has introduced its Green Financing Framework, a transformative initiative aimed at accelerating Oman’s transition to a low-carbon economy. This move aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the nation’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Structured in collaboration with Citi Bank, the framework underscores OETC’s commitment to environmental sustainability and adherence to high standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Oman launches largest solar energy project with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts

25 January 2025 – Source: arabrena

Oman has inaugurated its largest solar energy project, Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar power plants, with a total production .capacity of 1,000 megawatts

His Royal Highness Prince Belarab bin Haitham Al Said, a member of the royal family, inaugurated the project located in .the Wilayat of Manah in the Ad Dakhiliyah GovernorateThe two plants span an area of 14.5 million square metres, feature more than 2 million bifacial photovoltaic solar panels .and employ 1,800 automated dry cleaning robots to reduce water use, in line with Oman’s sustainability goals

Oman launches RFQ for two gas-based power projects

24 January 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

A competitive process for the procurement of two gas-based Independent Power Projects (IPPs), boasting an aggregate capacity of 2,400 MW, was formally launched on Thursday, January 23, 2025 by Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP), the sole procurer of new power and water capacity in the Sultanate of Oman. Sites at Misfah in the Wilayat of Bausher in Muscat Governorate and in the Wilayat of Al Duqm in Al Wusta Governorate have been identified for the establishment of the two IPPs. Based on advanced thermal Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) technology, the two projects will be the first such capacity to be developed in Oman for nearly a decade, when they come into operation during the 2028-29 timeframe.

GCC renewable energy production grows by 72.4%

21 January 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

Electricity generated from renewables in countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) increased by 72.4 per cent in 2023 in comparison to 2022, according to a recent report published by the GCC Statistics Centre. According to the report, energy produced by renewable energy plants amounted to 14,403 gigawatt hours (GWh), marking a stark difference from the 2022 figure of 8,352 GWh.

Vale Oman targets switch to renewable power by 2030

21 January 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

Brazilian mining giant Vale says its iron ore pelletising plant at Sohar Port will be powered by renewable electricity by 2030, in line with a commitment by the parent organization to decarbonisation its operations globally. According to Nasser al Azri, CEO – Vale in Oman, the switch to green energy for the production of iron ore pellets – the primary feedstock for direct reduction iron (DRI) plants in the region – is also designed to support the aspirations of steel mills to transition to low-carbon steel production.

PDO targets 30% of power needs from renewables by 2026

16 January 2025 – Source: Oman Observer

During the visit, they explored the Amin Solar Independent Power Producer (IPP) project and the Nimr Reed Beds project, in the South of PDO’s Block 6 concession area. The media representatives also had the chance to question PDO decision makers and experts on the Company’s role in the Sultanate’s economic development and the global Energy Transition from fossil fuels.

Manah II solar IPP commences commercial operations

30 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

Singapore-based Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, has announced the successful commercial operation of its Manah II Solar Independent Power Project (IPP) in the Sultanate of Oman. This milestone marks the completion of acceptance tests, more than four months ahead of the originally scheduled commercial operation date.

Oman`s energy and utilities sectors perform steadily in 2024

26 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

Oman’s energy sector continues to evolve as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic strategy, reflecting resilience, adaptability, and a forward-looking vision. The latest report from the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) for the period ending September 2024 provides a detailed account of the sector’s performance across oil, gas, refineries, petrochemicals, electricity, and water.

New wave of solar energy projects in Oman

23 December 2024 – Source: Zawya

Oman is making bold moves to secure its place as a leader in renewable energy. With the recent announcement by Nama Power and Water Company to develop an additional four major solar energy projects, the country is taking a significant step towards reshaping its future. Backed by a $2.8 billion investment, these projects are more than just a response to growing energy demands — they represent Oman’s commitment to building a sustainable future that balances economic growth and environmental preservation.

Norway`s Electrofuel plans e-SAF project in Oman

22 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

Norwegian sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) producer Nordic Electrofuel has revealed that it has ambitions to establish an e-SAF plant in the Sultanate of Oman, utilizing renewable hydrogen as feedstock from the country’s emerging green hydrogen industry.

Enhancing Workforce in the Energy Sector

22 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

The Sultanate of Oman plays a crucial role in the clean energy sector and is steadily advancing towards becoming a regional hub for energy and minerals, leveraging its vast natural and human resources. This growth highlights the pressing need for specialised professionals who can manage, develop and harness the full potential of Oman’s energy sector.

China’s JA Solar to invest $540m in Oman project

20 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

Leading Chinese firm JA Solar Technology plans to set up a major solar cell and module production plant in the Sultanate of Oman with an investment of around $540 million. The new investment, announced in a filing to the Shenzhen Stock Exchange on Friday, represents a further boost for Oman’s bid to position itself as a regional hub for solar photovoltaic manufacturing.

Korea Western Power’s solar project in Oman to launch in early 2025

19 December 2024 – Source: Newsarticleinsiders

The project is spearheaded by a consortium formed by Korea Western Power and EDF-R, a subsidiary of the French state-owned energy giant EDF. The Manah-1 project spans an area 2.6 times the size of Yeouido, one of Seoul’s key financial districts, and represents a 600 billion won (about $500 million) investment. Over one million solar modules have been installed to form this expansive solar power plant. Once operational, the plant is expected to significantly contribute to Oman’s renewable energy capacity.

TotalEnergies and OQAE to Develop 300 MW Renewable Energy Projects in Oman

18 December 2024 – Source: Solarquarter

TotalEnergies, in collaboration with its partner OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), the National Renewable Energy Champion, has signed landmark agreements to develop 300 MW of renewable energy projects in Oman, aligning with its multi-energy strategy in the Sultanate. The renewable electricity generated will be supplied to Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the country’s leading exploration and production company, under long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).

Oman to launch new round of hydrogen tender in early 2025

18 December 2024 – Source: Renewablesnow

Oman is preparing to open the third round of a tender for green hydrogen projects in early 2025, state-owned company Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom) announced last week.The announcement was made during the GH2 Investor Day held under the patronage of energy minister Salim Al Aufi. The event aimed to bring together sector leaders and investors from around the world to discuss strategic investment opportunities and the role of green hydrogen in the global energy transition. The discussions focused on enhancing local content and manufacturing industries, improving bidding mechanisms, and developing infrastructure. These efforts are designed to strengthen Oman’s position as a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen on

TotalEnergies and OQAE to Develop 300 MW Renewable Energy Projects in Oman

18 December 2024 – Source: Solarquarter

First-ever battery storage option for Oman’s Ibri III solar project

14 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

A new solar PV based Independent Power Project (IPP), set to come up at Ibri in Al Dhahirah Governorate, is expected to be integrated with utility-scale battery storage in a first for Oman’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.

New PDO wind farms to host 36 turbines

13 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

The partnership of OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), part of Oman’s integrated energy group OQ) and TotalEnergies, has been named as joint developers of the Riyah-1 and Riyah-2 wind farms, each of around 100 MW, that will be built in the south of PDO’s Block 6 concession. PDO is the sole offtaker of renewable power from these two projects.

Wave of new solar power projects on anvil in Oman

12 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

The announcement came during the Korea-Oman Renewable Energy Roundtable held on Thursday, December 12, 2024, under the auspices f Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals. Also in attendance were Kiejoo Kim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Sultanate, and high-level executives from the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), and a number of Korean energy corporations

Petroleum Development Oman awards three renewable energy projects

Date: 12 December 2024 – Source: Zawya

Muscat: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) signed landmark agreements on Wednesday with OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) and TotalEnergies to develop three key renewable Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects: North Solar 100MW PV IPP, Riyah-1 Wind 100MW IPP, and Riyah-2 Wind 100MW IPP.

Oman: Inks Deal for Renewable Energy Projects with OQAE and TotalEnergies

Date: 12 December 2024 – Source: Mepmiddleeast

These initiatives—North Solar 100MWac PV IPP, Riyah-1 Wind 100MWac IPP, and Riyah-2 Wind 100MWac IPP—represent a significant advancement in Oman’s energy diversification and sustainability efforts, aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Oman weighs further liberalization of electricity market

Date: 10 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

The Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), the regulator of Oman’s power sector, among other utilities, is contemplating a number of landmark measures aimed at liberalizing the electricity market. The revelation came in comments by APSR Chairman Shaikh Dr Mansour bin Talib al Hinai in an interview featured in the latest newsletter of the Energy Regulators Regional Association (ERRA), an international grouping of energy sector regulatory institutions.

OQGN to support Oman, Belgium energy alliance

9 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

OQ Gas Networks (OQGN), the operator of Oman’s natural gas transportation network, says its partnership with Belgium-based energy infrastructure group Fluxys will help contribute to the strategic development of a green energy corridor between the Sultanate of Oman and Belgium.

Oman announces plans for 2.68 GW of new power generation capacity

Date: 9 December 2024 – Source: Zawya

Nama Power and Water Procurement (PWP), the single buyer of power and water for all Independent Power Plants (IPP) and Independent Water and Power Plants (IWPPs) in the Sultanate of Oman, has initiated tendering process to build new gas and solar power plants with a total capacity of 2.68 gigawatts (GW).

Shold we worry about record-high CO2 emissions in 2024?

8 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

The past year marked a record high in global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, reaching an unprecedented 37.4 billion tonnes. This might sound alarming, but don’t worry; this peak is a critical step in our world’s transition toward a net-zero future.

Energy ministry issues decision to establish Oman Net Zero Centre

8 December 2024 – Source: Timesofoman

The Ministry of Energy and Minerals issued Ministerial Decision No. (35/2024) establishing the Oman Net Zero Centre.

The move aims to support the Sultanate of Oman’s efforts in achieving its goals of reaching zero neutrality by 2050, by developing updated strategies, monitoring the implementation of zero neutrality projects, including energy efficiency projects, and providing technical support to government and private agencies.

New report identifies optimal sites for wind power projects in Oman

Date: 7 December 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP), the single procurer of power and water capacity in the Sultanate of Oman, has begun publishing data from its multi-year Wind Resource Assessment (WRA) initiative, which offers a bankable set of wind data to support the development of wind-based renewable power in the country.

Oman targets 2,400 MW of gas-based power capacity

Date: 30 November 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

Nama Power and Water Procurement (PWP), the single procurer of power and water capacity and output in the Sultanate of Oman, has revealed that it is preparing to launch a competitive tender for the procurement of around 2,400 MW of thermal CCGT power capacity based on the Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model.

OQEP eyes output boost from flagship Block 60

21 November 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

Newly listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), following a landmark public subscription covering 25 per cent of its share capital, majority state-owned OQEP — part of OQ Group — reported a net profit of RO 272 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, which was up 18 per cent compared to net earnings of RO 230 million for the same period in 2023.

Green energy powerhouse in the making

Date: 17 November 2024 – Source: Oman Observer

Oman is targeting an estimated $49 billion in investments in the country’s nascent green hydrogen industry to help achieve an annual output of 1.38 million tonnes of zero-carbon hydrogen by 2030. Investment inflows are anticipated to soar to a total of $140 billion by 2050 when green hydrogen production capacity is ramped up to around 7.5 – 8 million tonnes per annum.