The Omani government is making a significant move towards increasing the contribution of renewables to electricity generation in the country by planning the development of five wind-based Independent Power Projects (IPPs) at strategic locations. The total investment for these projects, which aim to generate over 1 gigawatts (GW) of power, is approximately RO 450 million (equivalent to about $1.2 billion).
Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP), the sole procurer of power capacity, announced plans to initiate the procurement process for the five Wind IPPs through an international competitive tender. These projects are expected to be operational by 2027.
The portfolio of Wind IPPs recently unveiled by the government differs from previous strategies in terms of project locations and capacities. For instance, Mahout in Al Wusta Governorate will host the largest IPP with a generation capacity of 342 – 400 MW and an investment of around RO 187 million. Notably, Mahout was not previously considered as a potential site for wind farms.
In contrast, the plans for Duqm have been revised, with the capacity of the Wind IPP project now ranging from 234 to 270 MW, instead of the initially proposed 200 MW. On the other hand, Ras Madrakah, which was previously considered as a potential site for a 100 MW wind farm, is not included in the current wave of Wind IPPs.
The capacities of the planned Wind IPPs in Sadah and Jaalan Bani Bu Ali remain relatively unchanged. Sadah, located in the Dhofar Governorate, will have a capacity of 81 to 98 MW, while Jaalan, situated in the South Sharqiyah Governorate, will have a capacity of 91 to 105 MW.
Lastly, the Dhofar Wind II IPP, which will be located adjacent to the nation's first wind farm, Dhofar Wind I IPP, will have a modestly larger capacity of 114 to 132 MW, compared to the previously envisioned 100 MW.
