Oman Plans 6 GW Solar IPP Expansion By 2030–31 To Accelerate Renewable Energy Growth

Oman is set to take a major step forward in its clean energy transition as it prepares to bring six large solar Independent Power Projects (IPPs) into operation by 2030–31. Together, these utility-scale projects are expected to deliver around 6 GW of new renewable capacity, helping the country push renewable electricity far beyond its current national targets.

Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP), Oman’s single buyer of electricity and water, said the upcoming solar programme will include six major PV plants, each planned at roughly 1,000 MW. The projects have been given provisional names based on their target delivery timelines, including Solar PV IPP I 2030, Solar PV IPP II 2030, Solar PV IPP III 2030, and a similar set of three projects scheduled for 2031. Nama PWP clarified that the final capacity of each project may change depending on site allocation and detailed solar resource studies. Scheduled Commercial Operation Dates (SCODs) will also be confirmed as project planning progresses.

The move supports Oman’s wider renewable energy roadmap guided by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. Under this direction, the country aims for renewable sources to contribute around 30–40 percent of total electricity generation by 2030. This share is expected to rise further to about 60–70 percent by 2040. A key purpose behind the strategy is to reduce reliance on natural gas in the power sector, freeing up domestic gas supplies for other uses such as industrial development and economic expansion. The renewable push is also aligned with Oman’s longer-term goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Nama PWP noted that renewable energy is now becoming increasingly competitive and can be developed without subsidies due to falling costs. At the same time, it highlighted the operational challenge linked to solar and wind generation, as these resources are intermittent and therefore considered non-firm and non-dispatchable compared to conventional power plants.

The company’s renewable pipeline through 2030–31 includes 24 solar and wind projects, along with one waste-to-energy facility. Several renewable projects are already producing electricity, including Dhofar Wind I, Ibri II Solar, Manah I Solar, and Manah II Solar. Other projects are currently under construction, such as Ibri III Solar, Dhofar Wind II, and JBB Solar.

More capacity is expected to arrive between 2027 and 2029. Projects planned for 2027 include Duqm II Wind (300 MW), Sadah Wind (120 MW), Dhofar II Wind (132 MW), and Al Kamil Solar (400 MW). In early 2028, Mahout Wind (800 MW) and Marsa Solar (280 MW) are expected to begin operations, followed by Sinaw Solar (400 MW). In 2029, a 1,000 MW Solar IPP is scheduled, alongside Shaleem Wind (100 MW), Al Jazir Wind (100 MW), and Duqm III Wind (300 MW).

With the additional 6 GW expected by 2030–31, Oman’s total renewable capacity is projected to rise to 12,182 MW. The expansion plan also includes a 95 MW waste-to-energy plant in Barka, targeted to start operations in 2031.