Omans Public Authority for Electricity and Water (PAEW) has identified four potential locations for the establishment of solar power projects
PAEW officials have confirmed that land has been allocated at two of the four identified places for the projects.
The authority had commissioned a study on suitable alternative energy resources to set up renewable energy projects in Oman. The study identified and tested as many as 23 locations and northern Oman was found most feasible for solar power projects, while some south locations in the south were found appropriate for wind energy projects.
Ali bin Hamed al Ghafri, assistant chairman of international relations and media at PAEW, said, ?Of these 23 locations, Adam, Manah, Al Khaboura and Ibri, have been identified as most feasible for solar power projects. Adam and Manah have been identified for large-scale projects. Land at these two locations has already been allocated and tenders are being studied and awaiting final approval.?
The PAEW official revealed that solar power projects in Adam and Manah will be in the 100-200MW range, while a plan was being laid out on whether to use solar photovoltaic (PV) and concentrating solar power (CSP) technology for the project.
?Power demand is growing at an annual eight to 10 per cent. So, we have to think about alternative sources of power and renewable energy is feasible and helps save loads,? added Ghafri.
