Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 19, Shanghai Electric, a Chinese developer, has completed the 500 MW Manah I solar project in Ad Dakhiliyah governorate, northern Oman. The company announced that the project, its first in Oman, began operations one month ago after passing all assessments and final handover.

Shanghai Electric managed the design, planning, procurement, and construction of the facility and will continue to handle its operation and maintenance. The company collaborated with France’s EDF under a dual-track agreement to meet Oman’s technical requirements. Chinese engineers focused on solar field design, while a local team handled substation construction, ensuring alignment with both international standards and local regulations. Shanghai Electric noted: “This approach resolved conflicts between international standards and local regulations.”

The Manah I project is co-owned by EDF and Korea Western Power Co. Ltd, each with a 50% stake. Financing was finalized in January 2024, supported by a 20-year power purchase agreement with Nama Power and Water Procurement Company, a state-owned entity. This agreement ensures long-term energy delivery to Oman’s grid.

In a related development, Jinko Power secured the contract for the Manah II solar project in March 2023, further expanding Oman’s renewable energy capacity. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Oman had 672 MW of solar capacity installed by the end of 2024.

A 2024 SolarPower Europe report highlighted that Oman needs to deploy at least 13 GW of solar by 2030 to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050. The Omani government’s 2023-29 plan sets interim goals of 11% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2025 and 30% by 2030, underscoring the role of projects like Manah I in advancing sustainable energy development.

This initiative strengthens Oman’s renewable energy infrastructure, supports regional economic growth, and aligns with global sustainability goals through international collaboration and advanced solar technology.