His Royal Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said officially inaugurated the Manah 1 and Manah 2 solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in the Wilayat of Manah, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Spanning 14.5 million square meters, these facilities boast a combined capacity of 1,000 MW, making them the largest solar power projects in Oman.
Equipped with over two million bifacial solar panels and nearly 1,800 automated dry-cleaning robots, the plants maximize efficiency while minimizing water usage for sustainability. Together, they will increase Oman’s renewable energy share from 6.6% to 11% and cut carbon emissions by 1.4 million tons annually.
This milestone marks a significant step toward Oman’s carbon neutrality target for 2050 and will generate enough electricity to power approximately 120,000 homes, reducing the nation’s growing energy demand.
Advancing Oman’s Clean Energy Vision
Minister of Energy and Minerals, Engineer Salim Nasser Al Aufi, hailed the projects as pivotal for Oman’s transition to sustainable energy. He emphasized their role in achieving Oman’s renewable energy targets—30% by 2030, 60-70% by 2040, and 100% by 2050—while reinforcing the nation’s position as a regional leader in renewable energy innovation and sustainability.
Dr. Mansoor Talib Al Hinai, Chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Authority (APSR), highlighted the alignment of these projects with Oman Vision 2040. He noted the authority’s efforts to ensure renewable energy initiatives meet regulatory and governance standards, supporting long-term energy security and sustainable development.
A Public-Private Partnership for Sustainability
The Manah 1 and Manah 2 projects reflect successful collaboration between public and private sectors. Oman Power and Water Procurement Company, a Nama Group subsidiary, acted as the sole bidder and purchaser. Manah 1 was developed in partnership with Wadi Noor Solar Power Company, EDF Renewables (France), and Korea Western Power Co. (KOWEPO). Manah 2 was implemented with Sembcorp Jinko Shine, Sembcorp Industries (Singapore), and Jinko Power (China).
The commissioning ceremony, held in Muscat, was attended by Royal Family members, government officials, and representatives from the developer companies, underscoring the significance of these projects for Oman’s sustainable energy future.
