Latest news with #NamaPowerandWaterProcurementCompany
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's renewable energy doubles in 5 months
The contribution of solar and wind capacity to Oman's total electricity generation more than doubled to nearly 11.5 per cent during the first five months of this year, up from around 4.88 per cent at the end of December 2024. According to Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP), the sole procurer of electricity and water capacity in the Sultanate, renewable energy—mainly from solar sources—accounted for 1.88 terawatt-hours (TWh) during the January–May 2025 period compared with total renewable output of 2.4 TWh for the whole of 2024. Around 89,840 households were supplied with clean electricity during the five-month period, resulting in annualised emissions reductions of approximately 617,300 tonnes, Nama PWP said. This rapid increase in renewable generation supports the Omani government's strategy to achieve a clean energy share of around 30–40 per cent of total generation capacity by 2030, rising to 60–70 per cent by 2040. The target is for 100 per cent clean energy generation capacity by 2050. In the next phase of renewable energy development, Oman is shifting its focus to wind power, with five wind farms—together representing over one gigawatt (GW) of capacity—currently under competitive tendering, overseen by Nama PWP. These projects are planned for Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Duqm, Mahoot, Dhofar, and Sadah. The total investment in these Independent Power Projects (IPPs) is estimated at around 450 million Omani rials ($1.2 billion). (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Renewables share of Oman's total power output climbs to 11.5%
MUSCAT: The contribution of solar and wind capacity to Oman's total electricity generation more than doubled to approximately 11.5 per cent during the first five months of this year (January–May), up from around 4.88 per cent at the end of December 2024. According to Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP), the sole procurer of electricity and water capacity in the Sultanate of Oman, renewable energy—predominantly from solar sources—accounted for 1.88 terawatt-hours (TWh) during the January–May 2025 period. This compares with total renewable output of 2.4 TWh for the whole of 2024. Furthermore, around 89,840 households were supplied with clean electricity during the five-month period, resulting in annualised emissions reductions of approximately 617,300 tonnes, Nama PWP added. This rapid increase in renewable generation supports the Omani government's strategy to achieve a clean energy share of around 30–40 per cent of total generation capacity by 2030, rising to 60–70 per cent by 2040. The target is for 100 per cent clean energy generation capacity by 2050. Currently connected to the national grid are the following utility-scale renewable energy projects: Dhofar I Wind Farm (50 MW), Ibri II Solar IPP (500 MW), and the Manah 1 and Manah 2 Solar IPPs (1,000 MW combined). Next to join the grid is the Ibri III Solar IPP (500 MW), which is currently in early development. In the next phase of renewable energy development, Oman is shifting its focus to wind power, with five wind farms—together representing over 1 gigawatt (GW) of capacity—currently under competitive tendering, overseen by Nama PWP. These projects are planned for Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Duqm, Mahoot, Dhofar, and Sadah. The total investment in these Independent Power Projects (IPPs) is estimated at around RO 450 million (approximately $1.2 billion). Also in the pipeline is a series of new solar IPPs, aggregating around 4,500 megawatts (MW) in capacity and requiring an estimated investment of $2.8 billion. At least four new solar projects are envisioned for implementation over the next six years. The largest of these is the so-called 'Solar PV IPPs 2030'—a mega-project comprising one or more developments with a combined capacity of 3 GW. A Request for Proposals (RfP) for this groundbreaking scheme—estimated to cost between $1 billion and $1.5 billion—is expected to be issued in Q1 2027, with commercial operations anticipated by Q1 2030. Preceding this is the 'Solar PV IPPs 2029' initiative, centred on the development of a 1 GW capacity PV project, with a projected investment of $600–800 million. It is slated to begin operations in Q1 2029. Additionally, Sinaw in the North Al Sharqiyah Governorate is expected to host a 250–300 MW solar PV project, valued at around $200–250 million. The plant is scheduled to come online by Q2 2028. Recently, Nama PWP launched a competitive tender for a 280 MW solar IPP at Al Kamil in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. Estimated at $200–250 million, this project is expected to be operational by Q1 2028.
Observer
29-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
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.
Muscat Daily
27-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Nama announces RO1bn transition to renewable energy, smart grid
Muscat – Oman's electricity sector is undergoing a major transformation with Nama Group announcing renewable energy projects and digital upgrades aimed at reducing emissions, improving efficiency and enhancing grid reliability. At its annual media briefing on Tuesday, senior officials announced that over RO1bn will be invested in expanding clean energy and digitalising the network, including a nationwide rollout of smart meters and upgrades to power transmission systems. Said bin Khalaf al Abri, General Manager of Planning and Project Development at Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, said two solar projects – Ibri 3 (500MW) and Al Kamil (280MW) – have been tendered and are expected to be awarded this year. He added that the prequalification process for five wind projects has been completed. Proposals have already been invited for two, with all five scheduled to be awarded in 2025. 'Our goal is to raise the share of contracted renewable capacity to 30% of total contracted electricity by 2030,' he said. Sultan al Rawahi, General Manager of Load Dispatch Centre at Oman Electricity Transmission Company, said the country has built 116 power stations, including 17 high-voltage stations operating at 400kV. 'The network now operates at 99.9% reliability, meeting global benchmarks,' he said. Rawahi said more than 75% of conventional meters have been replaced with smart ones, with full conversion targeted by end-2025. 'This shift has helped reduce electricity loss to less than 8% for the first time in our history,' he said. Salem bin Saeed al Kamyani, CEO of Nama Electricity Distribution Company, informed that a mobile app now allows customers to monitor usage, receive top-ups and manage electric loads. 'This is part of our ongoing push to make electricity management more efficient and accessible,' he said. In the water sector, Ali bin Issa Shamas, CEO of Nama Dhofar Services, said over 22mn m3 of treated water is produced annually. He added that RO137mn worth of infrastructure tenders have been awarded, including plans to raise sewage coverage in Salalah from 76% to 95% before the end of 2025.
Observer
16-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman to advance key power, water schemes in 2025
MUSCAT: Beyond its commitment to procuring new renewables-based capacity in line with nationally-mandated targets, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) — the sole procurer of capacity and offtaker of output — is embarking on a number of initiatives during 2025, aimed as reinforcing the security, efficiency and reliability of electricity and potable water supply over the long term. PWP Chief Executive Officer Ahmed bin Salim al Abri said the initiatives seek to build on a 'year of successful achievements' in 2024, designed to support sustainable energy development, centring primarily on renewable energy resources. 'Following Oman Vision 2040 and the Renewable energy target set for 2030 and 2040, PWP is continuing to accelerate diversifying its energy generation portfolio and develop renewable energy projects,' Al Abri said. 'PWP focuses on diversifying renewable energy resources by optimising the availability of natural resources and a commitment towards sustainability. The favourable economic costs of wind and solar PV technologies drive renewable project development. The year 2024 has been marked by a significant number of renewable energy projects being tendered, completed, or commencing acceptance testing,' he added in a foreword to PWP's 2024 Annual Report. Key among the portfolio of initiatives lined up for advancement in 2025 is the Optimum Energy Mix and Energy Storage Options Study. The strategic study, undertaken in coordination with a number of stakeholders, has modelled and analysed scenarios relating to the transition path for Oman's generation mix till 2040, with a particular focus on the transition from today's predominantly gas-based system to a mixed system. 'The study confirmed that the targets set in Oman Vision 2040, by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, are achievable while meeting the economic purchase obligation. The energy storage technologies will play an important role to provide ancillary services to the grid with higher penetration of renewable,' the CEO noted. Ahmed bin Salim al Abri - Nama PWP CEO Also on PWP's list of priorities for 2025 is the completion of a key Demand Response Study. Stage 1 of this strategic study explored the potential of the demand response role as part of the system dynamics, with a particular focus on large customers and their contribution to system demand. The study explored different models that potentially applicable to Oman's system. Following the completion of the first stage, Stage 2 is proposed to be initiated in 2025 with a focus more on the trial and modelling of some customers' behaviour (proof of concept) and setting up the structure to implement the demand response widely in the system. Likewise, Oman's groundbreaking Electricity Spot Market, which went live in January 2022, will be the subject of another annual review in 2025 per Market Rules. Audits for 2023 and 2024 were successfully conducted, with the Market Management System achieving 100 per cent availability throughout 2024. 'Moreover, the market has effectively integrated the registration of the new Pool Based Power Contract plants contracted in 2024, including Al Rusail Power Company SAOC (Al Rusail IPP), Manah Power Company SAOC (Manah IPP) and Sembcorp Jinko Shine Company SAOC (Manah 2 solar IPP),' said the CEO in his foreword. However, PWP's primary focus during 2025 will continue to remain on the procurement of renewable energy and water projects. Topping the list is the 500 MW solar PV Independent Power Project (IPP) planned in Ibri — also known as Ibri-III Solar — with an investment of RO 155 million. An award is anticipated this year. Other power and water schemes that will make headway in their delivery are: the 280MW solar PV project at Al Kamil in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate; the award of new contracts for existing generators with Water Purchase Agreements (WPAs) expiring in 2027 (also known as Water 2027); the release of RfPs for Power and Water 2028-2029 project, with a plan to award a contract this year; and the release of the RfQ and RfP for the Water 2030 project. Furthermore, awards for all five wind projects currently under procurement with a combined investment of around RO 500 million are anticipated in 2025. The five Wind IPPs are planned at: Jaalan Bani bu Ali (91-105 MW), Duqm (234-270 MW), Mahout Wind I (342-400 MW), Dhofar Wind II IPP (114-132 MW) and Sadah (81- 99 MW). They are slated for commercial operation by 2027.
