Bridging Policy Gaps: How Fixing Oman’s Rooftop and Industrial Renewables Could Boost Your Business Opportunities
MUSCAT, JAN 4 — Oman’s clean energy initiative is progressing through competitive utility-scale tenders; however, future growth largely depends on the establishment of a robust policy framework for commercial, industrial, and residential renewable energy. Hariprasad Gantyala, Lead Renewables and Emerging Technologies at the Oman National Engineering and Investment Company (ONEIC) and Technical Director at Takhzeen Oman, emphasized this in a recent exclusive interview.
Gantyala pointed out that the primary obstacle to broader deployment is not related to land, grid capacity, or financing, but rather the lack of reliable regulations that would empower businesses and households to invest confidently in distributed renewable energy systems. He stated, “The biggest bottleneck for open renewable projects in Oman is the absence of a clear policy framework for commercial and industrial as well as residential renewables.”
While utility-scale projects are well-supported by the Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP) through tenders, Gantyala noted that non-utility projects still lack essential mechanisms such as net-billing, wheeling, and standardized interconnection requirements. He reiterated that this policy void, rather than constraints related to land or financing, hinders the scalable, bankable deployment of C&I and rooftop solar initiatives.
Gantyala conveyed optimism about Oman’s grid, indicating it is progressing well. Nevertheless, he cautioned that the next phase of renewable development must focus on enhancing flexibility rather than merely increasing capacity. “The next phase is about flexibility — not just adding more solar or wind,” he stated.
Key priorities include improving forecasting and dispatch tools, enhancing transmission infrastructure in areas with rising demand, establishing consistent interconnection standards, and ensuring quicker operational reserves. He noted that globally, markets that rapidly expand renewables are those investing in flexibility along with generation capabilities.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have gained global attention as electricity grids adapt to fluctuations in renewable energy supply. Gantyala sees significant near-term opportunities in Oman for hybrid projects that combine solar power with storage solutions and in the industrial and commercial sectors, where reliability and power quality are vital for cost management and operations.
“Storage scales quickly once the revenue model is clear,” he added, suggesting that frameworks acknowledging services like peak shaving, grid support, and frequency response would help transform market interest into a viable pipeline of bankable projects.
When discussing financing, Gantyala highlighted that investor expectations remain fairly consistent across different markets, focusing on credible off-take arrangements or power purchase agreements (PPAs), clear grid connection scopes and timelines, well-structured engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) operations, realistic yield assumptions, and disciplined risk allocation.
He warned that common pitfalls for developers include underestimating the importance of early technical work such as grid studies and over-optimism regarding schedules and performance metrics. “Capital is available, but it goes to projects that are technically sound and commercially viable,” he asserted.
Gantyala concluded that accelerating Oman’s clean energy pipeline could be achieved by making the grid connection process faster and more predictable, supported by published standards, transparent timelines, and advanced notices on network upgrades and curtailment strategies. He emphasized that the global transition towards renewable energy is increasingly influenced by “flexibility markets,” which include storage solutions, demand response, and digitalization of the grid. By bolstering its interconnection clarity and flexibility mechanisms, Oman stands to attract further investment and enhance implementation of its clean energy initiatives. “If Oman strengthens connection clarity and flexibility mechanisms, investment and delivery will follow,” he affirmed.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s clean-energy landscape is poised for transformation; however, a robust policy framework is essential for enabling commercial and residential renewables to thrive. This creates significant opportunities for businesses willing to innovate in hybrid projects combining solar and battery storage, but it also poses a risk for those who underestimate the need for solid technical groundwork. Investors and entrepreneurs should focus on ensuring compliance with evolving standards and leveraging flexibility in grid systems to capitalize on the imminent growth in the renewable sector.
