The largest utility-scale renewable energy project in Oman has been inaugurated by its developers ACWA Power, the Gulf Investment Corporation, Alternative Energy Projects and the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company.
Ibri 2 is the first solar energy project developed under the independent power project model to be connected to the grid in Oman.
The 500MW, $417 million project is located in Ad-Dhahirah Governorate and comprises 1.5 million bi-facial solar panels installed across 13 million square meters.
ACWA Power and its partners completed the project within 13 months.
The plant will generate enough electricity to power 500,000 homes and avoid the emissions of 340,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The plant will power the main grid as part of a 15-year power purchase agreement signed with Oman Power and Water Authority.
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In addition to helping decarbonise the Oman grid and ensuring energy security as the country diversifies its energy mix, the project will also improve the economy through job creation and skills training.
As part of the project supply chain, two local start-ups—Taj Middle East and Diaa Energy—were contracted to build mechanical installations. Additionally, the project’s operations and maintenance team has achieved a 100% Omanisation rate.
The project is expected to help Oman to achieve its 2040 Vision which includes the country generating 20% of its electricity using renewable energy by 2030 and up to 39% by 2040.
The plant is an example of how foreign direct investment in renewable energy can help Oman ensure energy sustainability and reliability.
Eng. Yaqoob Saif Al Kiyumi, CEO of the Oman Energy and Water Procurement Company, said: “The milestone project is a remarkable achievement that delivers on the national priorities set by Oman Vision 2040, which entail environmental conservation, utilisation of natural resources, the development of governorates, and the integration of the private sector.
“Ibri 2 will be a turning point for launching similar projects in the field of renewable energy, and similarly, we are currently developing two solar plants in the Governorate of Ad Dakhiliyah with a total capacity of 1,000 MW, in addition to wind projects in the governorates of North Al Sharqiyah and Al Wusta.”
