Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have started arriving at the location of Oman’s latest large-scale renewable energy initiative – a 500 MW capacity project underway in the Wilayat of Manah in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Over the coming months, more than 1 million PV modules will be installed as part of the Manah I Solar project, led by Wadi Noor Solar Power Company.
“These are bifacial modules capable of generating power from both the top and bottom surfaces,” said Eng Yahya al Rawahi, CEO of Wadi Noor Solar Power. “For the Manah-1 project, we have 585W as well as 590W modules. They will be mounted on single-axis trackers to maximize power generation throughout the day.”
Wadi Noor Solar Power Company SAOC, representing a consortium of EDF Renewables and Korea Western Power Co Ltd, is executing the Manah-I Solar PV project as an Independent Power Project (IPP). Construction is being handled by Shanghai Electric Company’s local subsidiary Shanghai Electric Muscat Ltd SPC.
The PV modules are supplied by JA Solar, a leading Chinese manufacturer, with a global capacity shipment of over 166 GW as of Q3 2023.
Preparations are underway on a 7.8 km2 site for module installation, with piles and supporting structures being set up. Installation will start next month.
Once operational, the PV modules will be guided by fully automated single-axis trackers, and cleaning will be carried out by automatic cleaning robots.
Renewable electricity generated will be transmitted to the grid via 400kV HV cables to the local grid station of Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC).
While much of the project’s hardware is sourced internationally, efforts are being made to utilize local goods and services, aiming for a minimum of 20% in-country value (ICV) during the EPC phase.
Manah I Solar Power is anticipated to commence commercial operation in the first quarter of 2025.
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