Muscat – H H Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham al Said inaugurated the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar power plants on Monday.
Located in Manah, Dakhliyah spread over an area of 14.5mn sqm, the two facilities are the largest solar power plants in Oman with combined production capacity of 1,000 megawatts.
Equipped with over 2mn bifacial photovoltaic solar panels, the plants use about 1,800 robots for automated dry cleaning, ensuring efficient electricity generation without water usage, aligning with sustainability objectives.
The plants aim to increase Oman’s renewable energy share from 6.6% to 11%, while reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by 1.4mn tonnes. Collectively, the two plants will generate enough electricity to power approximately 120,000 homes, contributing significantly to the sultanate’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.
H E Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, called the projects a “strategic step” in Oman’s transition to clean energy. “Manah 1 and Manah 2 are testament to Oman’s commitment to achieving its ambitious renewable energy targets,” he said. By 2030, Oman aims to increase renewable energy’s share to 30%, with further plans to achieve 60%–70% by 2040 and 100% by 2050. H E Aufi added that the ministry remains dedicated to enhancing energy security, attracting investment and driving sustainable development.
Dr Mansour bin Taleb al Hinai, Chairman of Authority for Public Services Regulation, highlighted the alignment of these projects with Oman Vision 2040. “The authority ensures that renewable energy projects meet stringent economic and technical standards, contributing to a sustainable energy future.”
Hinai also stressed the importance of increasing community awareness about renewable energy and encouraging private sector investments.
Ahmed bin Salem al Abri, CEO of Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, reiterated its commitment to advancing renewable energy and achieving Oman’s net-zero goals. He noted that the sultanate aims to expand its renewable energy capacity by 8GW by 2030.
The Manah 1 and Manah 2 plants were developed through public-private partnerships. Manah 1 was implemented by Wadi Noor Solar Power Company, a consortium of France’s EDF Renewables and Korea Western Power Co Ltd. Manah 2 was executed by Sembcorp Jinko Shine, a collaboration between Singapore’s Sembcorp Industries and China’s Jinko Power Technology.
The inauguration ceremony in Muscat was attended by several dignitaries, including high-ranking officials and representatives of the project developers.
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