Oman has officially inaugurated its largest solar power project to date, the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar plants, boasting a combined production capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW). The project underscores the sultanate’s commitment to expanding renewable energy as part of its Vision 2040 development agenda.
The inauguration ceremony, held in the Wilayat of Manah in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, was officiated by Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, a member of the royal family.
Covering 14.5 million square meters, the project comprises over 2 million bifacial photovoltaic solar panels. Advanced automation features include 1,800 dry-cleaning robots designed to reduce water consumption, a critical aspect of Oman’s broader sustainability efforts.
The project is set to significantly boost Oman’s renewable energy output, raising its share from 6.6% to 11% of the national energy mix. Additionally, it is expected to offset approximately 1.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, the project was tendered and procured by Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), Oman’s state utility.
Manah 1 was delivered in partnership with local firm Wadi Noor Solar Energy, France’s EDF Renewables, and South Korea’s Korea Western Power Co. (KOWEPO). Meanwhile, Manah 2 was executed with Sembcorp Jinko Shine, a joint venture between Singapore’s Sembcorp Industries and China’s Jinko Power.
The project aligns with Oman’s strategy to achieve 8 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, equating to 30% of its energy mix. By 2040, Oman targets 60-70% renewable energy penetration, with an ultimate goal of 100% by 2050.
