Wadi Noor Solar Power Company (WNSPC), a special purpose vehicle established by the winning consortium of EDF Renewable Middle East and Korea West Power Company, celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of the Manah 1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant. Located approximately 120 kilometers south of Muscat city, this 500-megawatt (MW) solar project is poised to set a new standard in Oman’s solar power market.
The groundbreaking event was commemorated with a private ceremony attended by key dignitaries and support from partners such as the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) and buyer Nama Power & Water Procurement (PWP).
WNSPC also announced the selection of Worley as the Owner’s engineer for the project, emphasizing their commitment to delivering the PV plant to the highest market standards and within the established timeline.
HE Dr. Masoor Al Hinai, Chairman of APSR, HE Sheikh Dr. Faisal bin Ali Al-Zaidi, Wali of Manah, Eng. Ahmed Al Subhi, Chairman of NAMA, Mr. Ahmed al Mahrizi, Group CEO of NAMA, Yaqoob Al Kiyumi, CEO of PWP, and representatives from the Embassy of France in Oman and the Republic of Korea in Oman were among the esteemed guests who marked this significant achievement.
Olivier Bordes, CEO Middle East of EDF Renewables, highlighted the project’s alignment with Oman’s Vision 2030 objectives and climate goals, emphasizing EDF Renewables’ commitment to sustainable and low-carbon solutions. Once operational, the Manah 1 project is expected to power 50,000 Omani homes and offset over 780,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Ko, Youn Ho, Managing Director Overseas Business of KOWEPO, expressed their dedication to working alongside their partner to support Oman’s energy transition plan.
The Manah 1 PV plant, covering an area of approximately 7.8 square kilometers in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, will utilize over 1 million bifacial PV modules mounted on a single-axis tracker system, making it a significant contributor to Oman’s renewable energy landscape.
