Oman’s Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) has announced that four energy companies are in the final stage of bidding for the 500-megawatt (MW) Ibri III Solar Independent Power Project (IPP). The shortlisted companies are Masdar from Abu Dhabi, Acwa Power from Saudi Arabia, EDF Renewables from France, and Sembcorp Utilities from Singapore.
Nama Power stated that its request for qualification last year received 12 bids from local and international developers. After evaluation, nine developers were either conditionally or unconditionally qualified. These developers were from Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, South Korea, Singapore, France, and Japan.
Masdar, Acwa Power, and EDF Renewables submitted bids with consortium partners, while Sembcorp Utilities is bidding independently. The project, with an investment of RO155 million ($401 million), will be built in Al Dhahirah governorate alongside the existing 500MW Ibri II project, which has been operational since 2021. The new solar facility is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027.
The first bid consists of a consortium led by Masdar, Korea Midland Power (Komipo), and Al Khadra Partners. The second bid is a partnership between Acwa Power and TotalEnergies Renewables. The third bid includes EDF Renewables and Korea Western Power (Kowepo). Sembcorp Utilities is participating as an independent bidder.
In December 2023, Nama Power launched its fourth solar tender for a 280MW solar plant. Other renewable energy projects in Oman include the 100MW Amin Solar Plant, operated by Shell Development Oman, and the 500MW Manah I and Manah II solar projects, awarded to EDF Renewables and Jinko Power. These projects contribute to Oman’s efforts to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix.
