Oman aims for 6GW of renewable projects by 2031

• Operation dates to be finalised soon
• Six mega-projects in the pipeline
• Expansion will free up domestic gas

Oman is reportedly aiming to have six solar power plants with a combined capacity of 6GW online in 2030 and 2031.

Project capacities may be adjusted based on site allocation and the results of detailed resource assessments, the Oman Observer reported, citing Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP).

The scheduled commercial operation dates are expected to be finalised shortly, the report said.

The six projects will lift the sultanate’s total renewable energy capacity to 12,182MW. The expansion is expected to free up domestic gas currently allocated to the power sector and support industrial and economic development.

Nama PWP’s project pipeline through to 2030-31 includes 24 solar and wind projects and a waste-to-energy scheme, the report said.

Oman is targeting net-zero gas emissions by 2050. It aims to produce 30 percent of its electricity using renewable sources by 2030 and reach 100 percent clean energy capacity by 2050.

In December the government selected a French-Omani consortium to build a 120MW wind power plant costing OMR50 million ($130 million). 

Further reading:

• French-Omani group to build 120MW wind farm
• Oman set to finalise 2GW green projects by year-end
• Oman to expand and upgrade power grid

OQAE, the Omani state-backed renewable energy company, is also preparing to take final investment decisions on 2GW of projects before the end of the year.

The sector is a priority for the Gulf state’s government. In his National Day speech in November, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq called for renewable energy to be prioritised as the country works to diversify its economy. 

“Renewable energy should not be only about a clean environment but our way of life and we should go all out for it to make sure we get it right for the sake of the future of our country,” the Omani ruler said.