Oman oil firm plans solar IPP with storage
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and its parent holding company Energy Development Oman (EDO) are planning to develop a 100MW solar energy independent power producer (IPP) project in its Block 6 concession in the northern part of the country
Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and its parent holding company Energy Development Oman (EDO) are planning to develop a renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) project in its Block 6 concession in the northern part of the country.
The 100MW solar IPP project is planned to have a large-scale battery storage component to ensure sustainable and reliable power supplies. The battery storage element would have a capacity of about 30MW.
The project is expected to contribute to between 200,000 to 300,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year.
The procurement strategy and model for the planned ‘North Oman Solar IPP’ is expected to be similar to the model used for the 100MW Amin solar IPP, which was developed near Nimr in southern Oman. The project began commercial operations in May 2020.
The project was one of the first utility-scale solar projects in the world where an oil and gas company was the sole offtaker for the electricity produced.
The development contract for the $94m Amin solar PV IPP was awarded to a consortium led by Japan’s Marubeni Corporation in January 2019.
The North Oman solar project is planned to be operational in March 2023.
Oman has plans to significantly increase its renewable energy capacity in the coming years, with a target for clean energy to contribute to 10 per cent of the country’s total power production by 2025.
The largest project awarded to date is the 500MW Ibri 2 IPP, which is due to be commissioned before the end of 2022. A consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power is developing the scheme. The solar farm will consist of 727,849 bifacial solar PV panels modules mounted on single-axis trackers arranged in multiple rows. The project will utilise 3,204 inverters and two 220MVA transformers.
In July 2020, Oman Power & Water Procurement Company (OPWP) issued tender documents for the planned Manah I and Manah II solar PV IPP projects, which will each have a capacity of 500-600MW.
In May 2021, OPWP informed bidders that it was extending the bid submission date from 25 May for commercial bids. According to sources close to the scheme, bidders have been informed there will be a further extension and the client will notify them of the date in due course.
Energy & Utilities - Middle East and Africa Market Outlook Report 2024.
This must-have report for industry players offers a thorough understanding of the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in the region, supported by data, analysis, and expert insights.
E&U Podcast
Subscribe to our Market Talk podcast for the latest on the key issues and trends in the energy and utilities sector
