Oman Expands Solar Use in Water Desalination: Key Business Opportunities and Investment Insights for Entrepreneurs and Investors
MUSCAT: Continuing the growing trend of integrating renewable energy into water desalination projects, GS Inima Barka-5 Desalination Co SAOC has successfully commissioned a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility to aid its energy transition and decarbonisation efforts.
Omani clean energy company Nafath Renewable Energy, contracted as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) provider, publicly announced the commissioning of the 6.5 MW grid-connected solar plant.
As’ad Al Abri, Solar Construction Manager at Nafath Renewables, noted that the commissioning ceremony was attended by representatives from Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP), the exclusive purchaser of power and desalinated water, as well as OCA Global—an international engineering, inspection, and certification consultancy based in Spain, which served as the solar project’s consultant.
“It was an incredible experience and a great learning opportunity to work alongside such professionals. Proud to contribute to this milestone, driving sustainable energy solutions forward,” Al Abri said.
The GS Inima Barka 5 Desalination plant, wholly owned by GS Inima—a global leader in water sector solutions—began operations in September 2024. The reverse osmosis (RO) facility, with a capacity of 100,000 cubic meters per day, was developed at a cost of approximately $135 million. It represents the fifth phase in the expansion of the strategic Barka Water Hub, which supplies potable water to the governorates of Muscat, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, and Al Dakhiliyah.
Upon reaching full capacity, the newly commissioned solar PV plant will provide up to 11% of the Barka 5 desalination plant’s energy needs through 2044. This is supported by a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed by GS Inima in March 2025.
Notably, this solar PV installation is only the second of its kind in Oman to power water desalination. In November 2023, Veolia’s Sharqiyah Desalination Company inaugurated a 17 MWp solar farm, which covers 100% of the energy requirements for its 131,000 m³/day plant during daylight hours. Developed in collaboration with TotalEnergies, that solar farm remains the largest facility dedicated to supporting water desalination in the country.
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The integration of a 6.5 MW solar PV project to support the GS Inima Barka-5 desalination plant marks a strategic shift towards sustainable energy in Oman’s vital water sector. For businesses, this signals growing opportunities in renewable energy investments and partnerships linked to essential infrastructure projects. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should consider the rising demand for green energy solutions in key utilities, positioning themselves to capitalize on Oman’s decarbonisation trajectory and supportive policies.
