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Solar energy

Oman's Manah-1 Solar Power Plant Marks Significant Milestone in Middle East's Clean Energy Ambitions

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A large-scale solar power project in Oman, partially owned by Korea Western Power (KWP), has begun commercial operation, marking a significant step in the Middle East nation's clean energy ambitions. The Manah-1 solar power plant, constructed by Shanghai Electric, is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 780,000 tons annually, equivalent to the carbon output of about 170,000 cars. KWP, in consortium with EDF Renewables from France, invested around 600 billion won ($430 million) and installed over one million solar modules on a site 2.6 times the size of Yeouido in Seoul. The partnership not only covers construction but also operation and maintenance, with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) committing to purchasing all of the electricity generated by Manah-1 for the next 20 years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Manah-1 solar power plant in Oman, partially owned by Korea Western Power (KWP), has begun commercial operation, marking a significant step in the Middle East nation's clean energy ambitions.
  • The plant is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 780,000 tons annually, equivalent to the carbon output of about 170,000 cars.
  • KWP, in consortium with EDF Renewables from France, invested around 600 billion won ($430 million) and installed over one million solar modules on a site 2.6 times the size of Yeouido in Seoul.
  • The partnership not only covers construction but also operation and maintenance, with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) committing to purchasing all of the electricity generated by Manah-1 for the next 20 years.
  • The Manah-1 project is part of Oman's national goal to raise the share of renewables, including solar and wind, to 20 percent of its energy mix by 2030.
  • The project signals a shift away from Oman's heavy reliance on oil and is central to the country's clean energy ambitions.
  • KWP first entered the project in 2023, forming a consortium with EDF Renewables from France to develop the Manah-1 site.
  • The Korea Western Power-EDF consortium will also handle operation and maintenance of the plant, underscoring their long-term commitment to the project.

Statistics:

  • The Manah-1 solar power plant is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 780,000 tons annually.
  • The carbon output of Manah-1 is equivalent to about 170,000 cars per year.
  • The consortium invested around 600 billion won ($430 million) in the project.
  • Over one million solar modules were installed on the site, which is 2.6 times the size of Yeouido in Seoul.
  • Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) has committed to purchasing all of the electricity generated by Manah-1 for the next 20 years.

Sources:

  • Shanghai Electric (August 16, 2023)
  • Korea Western Power (2023)
  • Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (2022)
  • Global Data Point (2022)

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