TotalEnergies and OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE) are shaking things up in Oman’s energy sector with a bold new venture that’s set to redefine the landscape of renewable energy in the region. The duo has inked landmark agreements to develop a whopping 300MW of renewable energy projects, which will undoubtedly bolster Oman’s ambitions for a sustainable energy future. This isn’t just a drop in the bucket; it’s a significant step toward a greener tomorrow.
The three projects—North Solar, Riyah-1, and Riyah-2—will harness the power of the sun and wind to generate over 1.4 TWh of renewable electricity annually. That’s enough juice to power a small city! North Solar, a 100MW solar project, will rise in Saih Nihaydah, while the two wind projects, each clocking in at 100MW, will be located in the Amin and West Nimr fields of southern Oman. Construction kicks off in early 2025, with the first electricity expected to flow by late 2026. This timeline speaks volumes about the urgency and commitment behind these initiatives.
Olivier Jouny, TotalEnergies’ senior vice president for renewables, captures the essence of this collaboration perfectly: “Following our recent successes in the Sultanate of Oman, notably with the launch of the Marsa LNG project in April, we are pleased to make a new step in the deployment of our integrated multi-energy strategy in Oman.” This is not just about generating power; it’s about strategically positioning Oman as a leader in the global energy transition.
Najla Zuhair Al Jamali, chief executive of OQAE, echoed this sentiment, highlighting their role as a catalyst for Oman’s sustainable energy transition. With the backing of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the country’s leading exploration and production company, the partnership aims to support PDO’s ambitious decarbonization plans. This collaborative spirit is crucial, as it brings together expertise and resources to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change and energy security.
Dr. Aflah Al Hadhrami, managing director of PDO, emphasized the significance of these agreements in their journey toward Net Zero emissions by 2050. “These projects, alongside the ones signed today, continue to reshape Oman’s energy landscape by blending technological innovation with environmental stewardship,” he stated. This is a clear indication that Oman is not just dipping its toes into renewable energy; it’s making a decisive plunge.
By sourcing 30% of its power capacity from renewables by 2026, Oman is not merely keeping pace with global trends; it’s setting a precedent for other nations in the region. The commitment to diversify energy sources aligns seamlessly with Oman Vision 2040, which aims for sustainable energy security.
This initiative could very well serve as a model for other countries in the Middle East, where the reliance on fossil fuels has been the norm. As TotalEnergies and OQAE pave the way for a cleaner, sustainable future, they’re also sending a clear message: the era of renewable energy is not just on the horizon; it’s here, and it’s gaining momentum. The implications for future developments in the sector are profound—this could very well spark a wave of similar projects throughout the region, propelling the energy transition forward at an unprecedented pace.
