Al Duqm and Adam Identified as Promising Wind Power Sites: What This Means for Renewable Energy Investment Opportunities in Oman
MUSCAT: Oman’s commitment to clean energy is advancing with the completion of a pre-feasibility study examining the potential for a 100 MW wind power project in the Wilayats of Al Duqm and Adam. The study identifies both sites as strategically important for renewable energy development, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 and the Net-Zero 2050 targets.
Rajaa al Breiki, Senior Planning Engineer at Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), presented the study as a comprehensive evaluation of the technical, environmental, and economic viability of the two locations.
Using tools such as RETScreen, the Global Wind Atlas, and GIS mapping, the study conducted a comparative analysis. It highlighted Al Duqm’s superior wind resources, making it highly suitable for large-scale projects, while Adam showed potential primarily for smaller, distributed renewable energy initiatives.
Key findings reveal that Al Duqm experiences exceptional wind speeds exceeding 9.8 m/s at 100 meters, ideal for utility-scale wind power. RETScreen modeling indicates a strong investment case with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 43 percent and a levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of 3.8 cents per kWh. Environmentally, the Al Duqm project could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 170,873 tonnes of CO₂ annually, with estimated electricity exports of 224,164 MWh per year.
Adam, while offering more moderate wind speeds, still presents viable opportunities with projected annual electricity exports of 78,919 MWh and a CO₂ emissions reduction of around 60,152 tonnes per year. Adam’s potential is particularly relevant for supporting distributed energy projects that enhance local grid stability and contribute to Oman’s decentralised energy strategy.
Technically, Al Duqm outperforms Adam across multiple factors, including turbine output, energy yield, and efficiency, making it the favored site for Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects and large-scale investments. Adam is considered a complementary site suited to smaller-scale, distributed energy deployments.
Both sites are integral to Oman’s renewable energy roadmap, which aims for at least 30 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030. Wind power, alongside solar and emerging hydrogen projects, will be crucial in diversifying Oman’s energy mix, reducing dependence on natural gas, and fostering private sector involvement.
The study also highlights the advantage of leveraging the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), noting Al Duqm’s strategic location, grid access, and integration with national industrial plans as key benefits for wind power development. Adam’s inland location offers renewable energy access to communities, helping alleviate transmission challenges and meeting growing local demand.
Industry experts view this dual approach—Al Duqm’s large-scale potential combined with Adam’s distributed project viability—as a balanced strategy likely to attract a wide range of investors, from major IPPs to smaller developers. These projects are expected to reduce emissions, provide competitively priced power, and enhance Oman’s reputation as a regional clean energy hub.
In conclusion, the pre-feasibility study reinforces Oman’s broader strategy to accelerate renewable energy investments and develop a sustainable, diversified energy system. With Al Duqm positioned as a prime site for large-scale wind projects and Adam offering complementary renewable energy options, Oman is well placed to capitalize on its clean energy potential.
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Oman’s identification of Al Duqm and Adam as strategic sites for wind energy underlines a strong opportunity for large-scale and distributed renewable investments, positioning the Sultanate as a regional clean energy leader. Businesses and investors should prioritize Al Duqm for utility-scale projects given its high returns and infrastructure advantages, while exploring Adam for smaller, localized initiatives that support grid decentralization. This dual approach mitigates risks by diversifying project scales and enhances alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and Net-Zero 2050 goals, making renewable energy a cornerstone of Oman’s economic diversification and sustainability strategy.
