Second Solar-Powered Desalination Plant in Oman: What It Means for Sustainable Business Opportunities and Investment in Water Infrastructure
MUSCAT, DEC 22 — The Barka V Independent Water Project (IWP), which commenced commercial operations in June 2024 in South Al Batinah Governorate, is set to incorporate a solar photovoltaic (PV) farm. This initiative aims to reduce the plant’s dependence on gas-fired electricity by integrating renewable energy, supporting Oman’s broader energy transition goals.
Owned and operated by GS Inima Barka V Desalination Co SAOC, a fully owned subsidiary of the Spain-based global water infrastructure firm GS Inima Environment, the desalination plant has a capacity of 100,000 cubic meters per day (approximately 22 million imperial gallons per day). Adjacent to the facility, a 6.3 MW solar PV plant is under construction and expected to be operational by March 2026. Once completed, this solar farm will supply roughly 11% of the plant’s total energy needs through 2044, coinciding with the duration of its water purchase agreement with Nama Power and Water Procurement (Nama PWP).
Jacobo Stuyck, Renewable Energy Business Development at GS Inima Environment, emphasized the significance of the solar project: “This 6 MW installation is strategically important, designed to cover about half of the desalination plant’s energy consumption. Its integration is essential to providing a sustainable and reliable energy source for this critical water infrastructure.”
During a recent site visit, Stuyck acknowledged the contribution of Spanish engineering consultant OCA Global and Omani clean energy firm Nafath Renewable Energy, which serves as the EPC contractor for the solar project. “With construction well underway, we aim to have the Barka solar plant fully operational by March. We eagerly anticipate achieving this key milestone soon,” he added.
Abdullah Al Saidi, Co-Founder of Nafath Renewable Energy, stated, “We are fully committed to supporting Oman’s net-zero ambitions, fostering broader adoption of renewable energy technologies, and enhancing local expertise in line with Oman Vision 2040.”
Notably, Barka V will become only the second desalination plant in Oman to integrate solar energy into its operations, highlighting increasing public and private sector efforts to decarbonize water infrastructure and boost energy efficiency.
The first project of this kind was the Sharqiyah Desalination Plant in Sur, which in April 2023 incorporated a 17 MWp solar PV system developed by Veolia and TotalEnergies. This system generates approximately 32,000 MWh of renewable electricity annually, covering the plant’s daytime power requirements and significantly cutting CO₂ emissions. It remains Oman’s largest solar PV facility dedicated to desalination and serves as a benchmark for renewable energy integration in critical utility infrastructure.
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The integration of solar PV at the Barka V Desalination Plant represents a strategic move towards sustainable and cost-efficient water infrastructure, aligning with Oman’s Vision 2040 energy transition goals. For businesses and investors, this signals growing opportunities in renewable energy partnerships and local clean tech development, while also highlighting the need to innovate around reducing operational energy costs and carbon footprint in critical sectors. Smart entrepreneurs should consider leveraging synergies between water and renewable energy projects as Oman accelerates its decarbonization and sustainability roadmap.
