Oman’s Manah-1 solar plant to generate 1.5 B kWh annually

MUSCAT, Oman (MNTV) — Oman’s 500-megawatt Manah-1 Solar Independent Power Project (IPP), developed by Shanghai Electric in collaboration with international partners, has officially completed its first month of operations, producing renewable power for Oman’s grid, the company confirmed.

The project, located in Manah, is expected to generate 1.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 780,000 tonnes — equivalent to removing 170,000 gasoline-powered vehicles from the country’s roads. 

The facility is a flagship initiative under Oman Vision 2040, aimed at expanding sustainable energy capacity and strengthening energy security, according to Zawya News.

Shanghai Electric served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor and will continue as the long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) provider. 

Ownership of the project lies with Wadi Noor Solar Power Company SAOC, equally held by France’s EDF Renewables and Korea Western Power Co. Ltd (KOWEPO).

To meet Oman’s technical and regulatory requirements, Shanghai Electric and EDF adopted a dual-track framework, with Chinese engineers overseeing solar field design while local teams managed substation construction. 

This split-team approach resolved compatibility challenges between international standards and national regulations.

“Shanghai Electric’s solution redefined the speed and efficiency of solar integration into the grid,” said project director Hamood al Shuaili. “The collaboration demonstrated world-class engineering and innovation.”

Beyond energy production, the project has delivered economic and social benefits. 

Nearly 90 percent of the O&M staff are Omani nationals, while technical training programs have been embedded into the country’s vocational education system to build long-term expertise in renewable energy.