Latest news with #NamaPower
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Barka 4 desalination plant sets global benchmarks
The Sultanate of Oman continues to leverage the Barka IV desalination plant as a cornerstone of its national development and a model for sustainable water management. Operational since 2018 under a 20-year Build-Own-Operate (BOO) agreement with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (NWPPC), this Veolia-managed facility stands as the Sultanate of Oman's largest, producing a significant 281,000 cubic meters of potable water daily. This output is vital, supplying approximately 1.2 million people and directly supporting Oman Vision 2040's ambitious economic and social development goals amidst rapid population growth, urbanization, and the pervasive challenge of climate change-induced water scarcity. At the heart of Barka IV's impressive efficiency and environmental stewardship lies its advanced technological infrastructure, meticulously designed to optimise every stage of the desalination process. The plant's journey begins with a sophisticated seawater intake system, a crucial first step that sets it apart in terms of both scale and ecological consideration. Seawater is sourced via two independent intake towers, each located 1.5 kilometres from the plant, ensuring a robust and reliable supply. A key innovation here is the maintenance of a low intake velocity of 0.1 meters per second, a deliberate measure to minimise impact on marine life. Further safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Oman's coastal waters, the intake is equipped with 100mm bar screens and supplemented by air bubble curtains, effectively preventing jellyfish and other marine organisms from entering the system. This commitment to environmental protection at the very outset underscores a holistic approach to sustainable operation, a vital aspect for any large-scale industrial facility situated in ecologically sensitive areas. Following intake, the water undergoes a rigorous pretreatment phase, critical for protecting the delicate and costly Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes that form the core of the desalination process. Barka IV employs state-of-the-art technologies including Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) systems to remove algae and suspended solids, and 16 Dual Media Gravity Filters (DMGF) that further eliminate suspended particles while optimizing energy consumption through gravity-based operation. The DAF system, in particular, plays a pivotal role in preventing membrane fouling, directly contributing to the longevity and efficiency of the RO stage. The true technological marvel and the most important part of the Barka IV plant is its Reverse Osmosis (RO) system, coupled with cutting-edge Energy Recovery Devices (ERD). This combination is what truly sets Barka IV apart as one of the world's most energy-efficient large-scale desalination plants, boasting a specific energy consumption of less than 3 kWh per cubic meter. The plant is equipped with 20,000 high-performance RO membranes that effectively separate salt from seawater, operating at a pressure of 60 bar. Prior to the RO membranes, cartridge filters (CF) ensure that particles as small as 5 microns are removed, safeguarding the integrity and performance of the membranes. The integration of ERDs, achieving an impressive 97% recovery rate, is a game-changer. These devices recapture significant amounts of pressure energy from the concentrated brine stream, dramatically reducing the overall energy demand for the high-pressure RO pumps. This energy efficiency not only translates into substantial operational cost savings but also significantly lowers the plant's carbon footprint, aligning with global efforts towards climate action. Beyond the core desalination process, Barka IV's commitment to delivering high-quality potable water is solidified in its remineralisation process. Five limestone filters are utilised to increase the alkalinity and hardness of the desalinated water, ensuring it meets stringent international drinking water standards. This crucial step is further supported by two permeate storage tanks acting as buffers, guaranteeing continuous supply and consistent water quality for consumers. Finally, the entire operation is meticulously managed from a Smart Control Room utilising Veolia's sophisticated Hubgrade digitalisation tools. With over 3,000 pieces of equipment connected to a centralized control system, a dedicated operations team provides continuous 24/7 monitoring of plant performance and production. This digital integration ensures over 95% availability, allowing for real-time adjustments and predictive maintenance, thereby maximising operational efficiency and minimising downtime. This smart management system, powered by AI, embodies the future of industrial facility management, ensuring the plant's robust and reliable performance for years to come. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: FSA issues warning to Barka water and power company
MUSCAT: The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has issued an official warning to Barka Water and Power Company (SAOG) for breaching disclosure requirements under the Executive Regulations of the Capital Market Law. According to Administrative Decision No. 12/2025, the company failed to comply with Articles 291, 293, and 298 of the regulations issued under Decision No. 1/2009. The violations pertain to the company's failure to disclose, in a timely manner, material information regarding the extension of power and water purchase agreements with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (SAOC). Additionally, Barka Water and Power Company did not adequately disclose information about the awarding of a contract related to power and water desalination using the multi-stage flash distillation method. The company also neglected to confirm, deny, or correct material information that had been publicly disclosed by one of its major shareholders. The FSA's action is based on Article 58/A of the Securities Law issued by Royal Decree No. 46/2022, which authorises the Authority to impose necessary penalties in cases of disclosure violations. The Authority reiterated its commitment to upholding transparency and discipline in the financial market. It underscored the importance of listed companies adhering to timely and accurate disclosure of material information in order to safeguard investors' interests and enhance confidence in the market. The FSA urged all public joint-stock companies to fully comply with the applicable legal and regulatory frameworks governing the capital market. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: 7 bidders qualified for $2bln Misfah and Duqm IPPs
Muscat: Nama Power and Water Procurement (PWP), the exclusive procurer of power and water in the Sultanate of Oman, has named seven qualified applicants to participate in a tender for the development of two major Independent Power Projects (IPPs) – Misfah IPP and Duqm IPP – which represent a significant step in securing the Sultanate of Oman's future energy needs. Total investment in the IPPs, with a combined generation capacity of 2400 MW, is estimated at RO 880 million. A total of 12 Statements of Qualification were received from international companies. Following a thorough evaluation process, 7 applicants have been successfully qualified to participate in the upcoming tender. They are: ACWA Power Company, Korea Western Power Co Ltd, Marubeni Corporation, Nebras Power, Sembcorp, Utilities Pte, Shenzhen Energy Group, and Sumitomo Corporation. These qualified bidders come from a variety of countries, notablyKSA, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, India, South Korea, Japan, Qatar, Singapore and China. Ahmed bin Salim bin Mohammed al Abri, CEO of Nama Power and Water Procurement, stated:'The announcement of Misfah and Duqm Independent Power Projects marks a key milestone in advancing the Sultanate of Oman's energy infrastructure. These strategic projects will significantly enhance the reliability and security of electricity supply in Muscat and Al Wusta Governorates, supporting the growing demand for power and contributing to economic development in Sultanate of Oman. The strong interest from globally recognized developers reflects international confidence in Sultanate of Oman's energy sector and Nama PWP's transparent and competitive procurement framework. These projects also reaffirm our commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient power solutions,' Al Abri added. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's green energy policy to drive low-carbon shift
MUSCAT: A key policy issued by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals recently, enabling the self-generation and direct sale of electricity from renewable sources, has been described as a strategic catalyst in Oman's shift towards a low-carbon future. Eng Mohsin al Hadhrami, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, hailed the regulation, titled 'The Policy on the Use of Renewable Energy for Self-Generation and Direct Sale of Electricity' as 'strategic stride to accelerate the transformation of the energy sector and amplify the contributions of renewable sources to the national energy mix.' In an interview featured in 'Wealth', the monthly newsletter of the Ministry, Al Hadhrami represents a bold effort by the government to further liberalise Oman's electricity market. Per this policy, eligible generators can sell output from renewable sources, chiefly solar and wind, directly to eligible consumers (typically large industrial and commercial entities), without the need to engage with the country's sole offtaker, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company. The policy outlines a regulatory framework governing the transit of electricity through the national grid, ensuring stability and operational efficiency. Mohsin al Hadhrami Importantly, the policy sets out a clear pathway for small-scale users, notably households and farms, to consider self-generation to support their individual energy requirements. Any surplus generation can be potentially monetised as well. For investors and developers, the policy unlocks the possibility of entering into direct contracts with consumers—a paradigm shift that is expected to spur innovation and give rise to new business models in the energy space. 'From an investment perspective, the policy represents a golden opportunity to attract both foreign and domestic capital, as the Sultanate of Oman offers a transparent legislative environment and robust investment incentives,' the Under-Secretary said. 'This strategic alignment is concordant with Oman Vision 2040, which sets forth targets for the generation of 30% to 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, mounting to 60% to 70% by 2040. These efforts are consistent with global endeavors to reduce carbon emissions, as well as the Sultanate's own vision to increase the share of renewable energy and enhance energy efficiency by 2030.' Additionally, the policy is expected to spark a wave of industrial investments and technological investments, according to the official. It promises to open up new avenues for local enterprises in sectors such as solar panel manufacturing, energy storage, and green technology development. This local value creation is critical to Oman's broader economic diversification strategy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while nurturing a homegrown green economy. In essence, the policy represents a strategic step towards a sustainable and low-carbon economy towards a sustainable and low-carbon economic paradigm, wherein environmental imperatives are seamlessly integrated with avenues for investment, all within the framework of an ambitious national vision that anticipates a green and prosperous future. It solidifies Oman's position as a key nexus in the future of green energy in the region and the world, he added in conclusion. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
