Oman to issue RfQs for three wind power projects this year

Oman to issue RfQs for three wind power projects this year

Three new wind-based Independent Power Projects (IPPs) will be initiated for procurement this year as part of the Omani government’s drive to promote the use of renewables for the nation’s energy requirements.

According to Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), the sole national buyer of electricity and water output, a Request for Qualifications (RfQ) as well as a Request for Proposals (RfP) will be issued this year for wind-based IPPs planned at Duqm (Al Wusta Governorate), Jalaan Bani Bu Ali (South Al Sharqiyah Governorate and Harweel (Dhofar Governorate).

The three wind farms are among a portfolio of power and water related initiatives, identified by OPWP – part of Nama Group – as “key priorities” for development in 2023. Included in the portfolio are commitments towards HSE and zero harm, renewable energy projects, water desalination schemes, and tariff-related studies.

Wind Resource Assessment (WRA) studies have picked up pace following the launch of Oman’s first wind farm – a 50 MW 13-turbine facility – at Harweel about three years ago. The studies have helped identify a number of optimal locations for the establishment of wind powered IPPs.

“OPWP has completed a one-year ground wind data gathering exercise at Ras Madrakah (Wusta) and Sadah (Dhofar) as