Muscat – DEMA Energy, a Saudi energy technology company, on Monday officially inaugurated its Grid-Balancing Optimisation Pilot Project using large flexible loads (LFL) in Dreez, Ibri.

The 15MW pilot project, jointly developed by DEMA Energy and MARA Holdings, marks the first deployment of controllable demand-side assets by an electricity grid operator in the region.

The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of H E Dr Ali bin Amer Al Shidhani, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Communications and Information Technology.

The ceremony was attended by senior dignitaries, including H E Ibrahim bin Saad Bishan, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Oman; H E Taher bin Mabkhout Al Junaibi, Governor of Al Dhahirah; and H E Sheikh Dr Mansour bin Talib Al Hinai, Chairman of the Authority for Public Services Regulation, along with senior energy and technology officials.

The 15MW pilot represents a significant step forward in demand-side flexibility in Oman. DEMA Energy’s LFL technology enables grid operators to harness demand-side assets as controllable resources in real time, providing a layer of flexibility that cannot be achieved through conventional supply-side infrastructure alone.

To ensure seamless integration into the local landscape, DEMA Energy leveraged the strategic direction and market access provided by its local partner, Al Ghalbi Group.

“This project is the result of what DEMA Energy has been building towards: making demand-side flexibility a reality for grid operators,” said Faris Abdullah Aljehani, Founder and CEO of DEMA Energy.

“We are proud to work alongside MARA, one of the largest and most established digital energy companies in the world, to deliver a new capability that did not exist in this region before. Together, we are leading this transformation,” he added.

“This project demonstrates how flexible demand-side infrastructure can become a strategic asset for modern grids,” said Fred Thiel, CEO and Chairman of MARA Holdings. “Our partnership with DEMA Energy has enabled the first deployment of its kind in the region, delivering 15MW of real-time, dispatchable capacity that strengthens grid resilience. We see significant potential to scale this model across the Middle East as digital energy solutions and grid stability become increasingly interconnected.”

Nasser bin Salem Al Shuaili, General Manager of DEMA Energy in Oman, highlighted the local impact, stating, “We are proud that the wilayat of Ibri is the launchpad for this landmark project, bridging natural resources with digital innovation. DEMA Energy is here to stay as a development partner, creating tangible local value for the national workforce and supporting the innovation ecosystem in Al Dhahirah Governorate, in alignment with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.”

DEMA Energy specialises in demand-side flexibility solutions. The company’s core products, including large flexible load management and a virtual power plant (VPP) platform, enable grid operators to utilise large-scale demand assets as controllable load resources in real time. The company aims to unlock the full potential of the demand side, equipping grid operators with the tools needed to maintain stability, efficiency and resilience in modern energy systems.