Oman’s Barka V Desalination Plant is set to integrate solar energy to partially reduce its reliance on gas-fired electricity, reflecting the country’s growing focus on sustainable energy. The plant, located in South Al Batinah Governorate, began commercial operations in June 2024 and has a daily production capacity of 100,000 cubic meters of water, equivalent to around 22 million imperial gallons. It is operated by GS Inima Barka V Desalination Co SAOC, a subsidiary of the Spanish water infrastructure company GS Inima Environment.
Adjacent to the facility, a 6.3 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant is under construction and is expected to be operational by March 2026. Once commissioned, this solar installation will provide roughly 11% of the plant’s total energy needs over the duration of its water purchase agreement with Nama Power and Water Procurement, which runs until 2044. According to Jacobo Stuyck, Renewable Energy Business Development at GS Inima Environment, the solar plant is strategically designed to cover nearly half of the plant’s energy demand and is vital for ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply.
The project is supported by OCA Global, serving as the engineering consultant, while Nafath Renewable Energy, an Omani clean energy company, is handling the engineering, procurement, and construction work. Abdullah Al Saidi, co-founder of Nafath Renewable Energy, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting Oman’s net-zero ambitions and enhancing local renewable energy capabilities in line with Vision 2040.
Barka V will be the second desalination plant in Oman to integrate solar energy, following the Sharqiyah Desalination Plant in Sur. The Sharqiyah facility, developed by Veolia and TotalEnergies, has a 17 MWp solar PV system that generates around 32,000 MWh annually, supplying daytime power and reducing carbon emissions. The integration of solar power at Barka V demonstrates a growing trend among public and private stakeholders in Oman to enhance energy efficiency in water infrastructure and reduce the sector’s environmental footprint.
This initiative highlights the potential of combining renewable energy with essential utility operations, setting an example for future sustainable infrastructure projects in the region.
