Abu Dhabi?s renewable energy company, Masdar, has signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with a global consortium comprising GE and Spain?s TSK to build the Dhofar Wind Power Project in Oman, the first large-scale wind farm in the GCC
The power project is a result of the joint development agreement that was established in 2014 between Masdar and the Rural Areas Electricity Company of Oman (RAECO). Funding for the wind farm is provided by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), a leading national entity supporting global socio-economic development initiatives.
The 50MW wind farm takes its name from the southern Omani governorate bordering Yemen, the largest of the Sultanate?s 11 governorates, and will electrify an estimated 16,000 homes and offset 110,000 tonnes of CO2 a year.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said, ?The Dhofar Wind Power Project will play an important role in supporting the diversification of Oman?s energy mix, while providing a reliable source of clean power to serve its growing population and economy.?
Saleh Bin Nasser Al Rumhi, CEO of RAECO, added that the company was pleased to be supporting this project and the construction of the Dhofar Wind Power Project, which will be launched after signing of the project development agreement with Masdar in 2014.
?This project represents a fundamental shift in clean energy projects in the region and in the Sultanate in particular. It is the first project of its kind in the GCC. The signing of this agreement signifies a major step in the development of the Dhofar Wind Power Project and is a testimony to the strong relationship between Oman and the UAE. We look forward to the signing of other associated agreements related to the project this October.?
According to Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD, ?We are proud to fund the Dhofar Wind Power Project, the first of its kind in Oman with its innovative technology and, which upon completion, will contribute to the Sultanate?s position as a clean energy leader in the region and will represent seven per cent of the total installed power generation capacity in the Dhofar governorate, including its capital Salalah, a major port and free zone?.
GE will lead the EPC consortium, and will provide the project?s 13 wind turbines powered by the company?s latest 3.8MW wind turbine generator solution. Built upon the technology of its predecessors, the turbine represents the latest development in GE?s wind turbine platform, increasing both annual energy production and flexibility in operation. TSK will support the consortium partners with the construction of the balance of plant.
