French renewable energy firm, EDF Renewables and Korean Western Co. Ltd. (KOWEPO), a key player in South Korea’s power sector, have joined hands to construct and operate a solar PV based independent power project (IPP) in Wilayat of Manah in Governorate of Al-Dakhiliyah.
The project is owned by OPWP- Oman Power & Water Procurement Company -the single buyer of electricity and water output in Oman. The project named -Manah I Solar IPP is one of two grids connected solar projects each of around 500 MW capacity. Recently, Singapore’s Sembcorp and Chinese firm Jinko Power jointly secured the award for Manah II Solar IPP.
Estimated to be launched in 2025, both the projects are expected to boost Oman’s renewable energy capacity by roughly 200% to around 1550 MW, up from the present capacity of around 550 MW. Oman is targeting a roughly 40 percent contribution from renewable to its electricity retirements by 2040.
With this deal, EDF will help Oman reach its goal of green energy. EDF already has its presence in UAE and South Africa, among other countries in the region.
Commenting on the pact , the CEO of KOWEPO Park Hyung Duck said, “Manah I would enable the Korean utility’s maiden foray into Oman’s power industry.” In a statement, KOWEPO informed that construction work on Manah I would start in the second half of this year and the project is expected to be operational by 2025. Total investment in Manah I is estimated to be at $459.
He further added, “This project is an example showing the global competitiveness of domestic power generation companies in new and renewable energy.” He further pointed out, “We will continue doing our best to win additional projects such as those of solar power and green hydrogen in Middle East and African regions.”
The Korean firm will supervise the projects operations and maintenance after completion, it said, adding that OPWP will off take electricity output from the scheme for a period of 20 years.
As per reports, OPWP further has plans for at least two more IPP ventures in addition to wind farms to help achieve the 40 percent target from renewables by 2040. Towards this step, it recently launched preliminary work on 500 MW solar scheme, called Ibri III Solar IPP, planned for implementation alongside Ibri II Solar IPP, which came into operation in November 2021, while the latter is Oman’s first large scale grid connected solar power project.
