Nama PWP Plans Major Solar Power Expansion To Strengthen Renewable Energy Transition

Oman is taking a major step toward clean and sustainable energy with a large expansion of its solar power capacity. Nama Power and Water Procurement (Nama PWP), the country’s state-owned power procurer, has announced plans to develop six large solar Independent Power Projects (IPPs) by the 2030–2031 period. Together, these projects are expected to add around 6 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity to Oman’s national electricity grid, marking a major shift away from fossil fuel-based power generation.

According to Nama PWP, each of the six proposed solar plants will have a planned capacity of about 1,000 megawatts (MW). The projects are currently referred to as Solar PV IPP I, II, and III for two separate phases planned for 2030 and 2031. However, the company has clarified that these names and capacities are tentative. The final size and configuration of each project will be confirmed after detailed site studies and solar resource assessments are completed.

This large solar rollout is a key part of Oman’s national renewable energy strategy led by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. The country has set clear targets to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix. Oman aims to generate 30% to 40% of its power from renewable sources by 2030, and this share is expected to rise to 60% to 70% by 2040. By expanding solar and wind capacity, Oman plans to reduce its dependence on natural gas for power generation. The saved gas can then be used for industrial development and economic diversification, while also supporting the country’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The planned 6 GW of solar capacity is part of a broader renewable energy pipeline that includes around 24 projects across solar, wind, and waste-to-energy technologies. Some projects, such as the Ibri II and Manah solar power plants, are already operational and supplying clean electricity to the grid. Other projects, including the Ibri III solar project and the Dhofar wind project, are currently under development. Once the new solar IPPs are commissioned, Oman’s total renewable energy capacity is expected to cross 12 GW.

Nama PWP has highlighted that falling costs of solar and wind technologies have made these projects financially viable without requiring government subsidies. Although renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent by nature, the utility believes that careful planning and system management will ensure reliable power supply. This clean energy push is expected to strengthen Oman’s energy security and position the country as a key destination for global investors looking at renewable energy opportunities in the Middle East.