Veolia inaugurates solar power plant in Oman
The solar plant has annual capacity of over 32,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of green and renewable electricity.
Image for illustration purposes.
Oman, Sur: The solar plant has annual capacity of over 32,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of green and renewable electricity.
Veolia, in collaboration with its partners, has officially launched a 17-megawatt peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility, providing green energy to power the Sharqiyah Desalination Plant in Sur, Oman.
The project represents the largest solar system implemented for a desalination plant in Oman, featuring an annual capacity exceeding 32,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity. This capacity will fully meet the desalination plant’s energy demands during daylight hours.
Developed by Veolia in conjunction with TotalEnergies, the plant stands as a milestone in the region’s commitment to decarbonisation. It could reduce approximately 27,200 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
The construction began in August 2022, followed by testing from March 30 to April 15, 2023. Commercial operations were started on April 16, 2023, with the lease agreement for the solar farm extending until March 31, 2036.
Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al-Aufi, Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, expressed the significance of this project on a global scale. He highlighted its role in bolstering water security and its alignment with the National Energy Strategy. This strategy strives to derive 30% of Oman’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, a fundamental objective within the framework of Oman Vision 2040.
Philippe Bourdeaux, Vice President Africa, Near & Middle East at Veolia, stressed the company’s commitment to ecological transformation, with water and renewable energy emerging as key areas of interest. He underscored Veolia’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions in its operations and projects.
Veolia’s legacy in the Middle East spans over 40 years, with a presence in Oman for more than 15 years. It operates in various Omani regions, including Muscat, Sur, Duqm, and others.
Source: Utilities Middle East