Muscat: His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said officially opened the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar power plants today in the Wilayat of Manah, located in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah. Covering an area of 14.5 million square meters, these facilities boast a combined production capacity of 1,000 megawatts.
As the largest solar power installations in the Sultanate of Oman, the plants utilize over two million bifacial photovoltaic solar panels to maximize energy output, along with nearly 1,800 automated dry-cleaning robots. This innovative approach enhances the generation of clean electricity while conserving water for sustainability.
These projects align with environmental goals by increasing the share of renewable energy in Oman from 6.6 percent to 11 percent and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.4 million tons annually.
This achievement marks a significant advancement for Oman in its pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, it addresses the growing electricity demand by generating enough power to supply approximately 120,000 homes.
Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, emphasized that the launch of the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar energy projects represents a pivotal moment in the transition of the electricity sector. He noted that this initiative exemplifies Oman’s ambitious vision for clean and sustainable energy.
The minister further highlighted that these projects demonstrate Oman’s capability to merge ambition with tangible actions in the realms of innovation and sustainability.
Al Aufi emphasized that the Sultanate of Oman is making significant progress toward its ambitious objectives, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy to 30 percent by 2030, followed by 60-70 percent by 2040, and ultimately achieving 100 percent by 2050 through a comprehensive plan focused on clean and sustainable energy.
The minister highlighted that this strategy reinforces Oman's status as a key regional and global player in the transition to renewable energy.
Al Aufi also reaffirmed the ministry's dedication to enhancing national energy security and creating new investment opportunities within the Sultanate of Oman.
Dr. Mansoor Talib Al Hinai, Chairman of the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), noted that these two projects align with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. He mentioned that they support the implementation of Oman’s strategic objectives for sustainable development and energy security.
Al Hinai pointed out the crucial role of the Authority for Public Services Regulation in ensuring that renewable energy initiatives comply with economic and technical regulatory standards. This is achieved by strengthening corporate governance and conducting thorough evaluations of companies competing for these projects to confirm their readiness and technical capabilities.
In addition, Ahmed Salim Al Abri, CEO of Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, stated that the company is dedicated to advancing the use of renewable energy while ensuring energy security and long-term sustainability for the Sultanate of Oman.
It is important to highlight that the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar power plants are the result of a collaboration between the public and private sectors. The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, a subsidiary of Nama Group, serves as the tenderer and sole purchaser for both projects. The Manah 1 plant was developed in partnership with Wadi Noor Solar Power Company, the French firm EDF Renewables, and Korea Western Power Co. (KOWEPO).
In contrast, the Manah 2 plant was developed in collaboration with Sembcorp Jinko Shine, which includes Singapore’s Sembcorp Industries and the Chinese company Jinko Power.
The inauguration ceremony for these projects took place today in Muscat, with attendance from members of the Royal Family, ministers, undersecretaries, and representatives from the companies involved in the development.
