Ashraf AboArafe
Equivalent to the implementation of a number of projects in renewable energy and water, the Sultanate of Oman is seeking to attract investments in the coming period of more than 480 million Omani riyals. Engineer Yaqoub bin Saif Al-Kiyumi, CEO of the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, said that the company is currently developing two plants to produce renewable energy. Electricity using solar energy in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts and is currently declining, and it is expected to be awarded before the end of this year, noting that the private sector investment in these two projects will amount to about $600 million.
He added that the company also expects to invest about $300 million in wind energy projects to be established in the Wilayat of Jalan Bani Bu Ali in the South Sharqiyah Governorate and in the Wilayat of Duqm in the Al Wusta Governorate, explaining that the company will begin the process of qualifying developers before the end of this year.
He pointed out that these projects come within the national priorities set by the “Oman 2040” vision of preserving the environment, reducing carbon emissions, exploiting natural resources, developing governorates, engaging the private sector, attracting foreign investment and generating job opportunities for Omani youth.
Engineer Yaqoub Al Kiyumi stressed that there is a positive growth in the field of energy demand in the Sultanate of Oman, which enhances these projects, especially renewable energy projects. With regard to the water sector, Eng. Yaqoub Al-Kiyumi explained that the company had contracted with the private sector to establish two desalination plants in Muscat and Barka, with an investment estimated at about $350 million.
