United Solar Polysilicon’s $1.6bn Project Launch in Oman: Key Opportunities for Investors and Entrepreneurs
MUSCAT: United Solar Polysilicon (USP) has officially begun operations at its groundbreaking polysilicon facility located in the Sohar Freezone, marking a significant milestone in Oman’s advancement into high-tech and clean-energy manufacturing. This development positions the country within the global semiconductor and solar photovoltaic (PV) supply chains.
The initial, or soft, start of the $1.6 billion project precedes a grand inauguration scheduled for next month, as revealed by project leaders during the signing of debt financing agreements last month. Once fully operational, the plant will produce up to 100,000 tonnes of polysilicon annually, which corresponds to an annual solar module capacity of approximately 40 gigawatts (GW).
The Chinese technology provider Shuangliang Hydrogen, responsible for supplying critical equipment to the Oman facility, announced the project’s operational launch in a statement dated February 7, 2026. Shuangliang supplied polycrystalline silicon reduction furnaces, hydrogen production systems, and refrigeration units essential for producing high-purity polysilicon.
“On February 5, United Solar Polysilicon’s 100,000 tonnes per annum polysilicon project — one of the world’s most advanced plants of its kind — officially commenced operations at the Sohar Freezone,” Shuangliang Hydrogen, part of the Shuangliang Group, reported.
The company emphasized the project’s strategic role as an integral part of the Middle East’s photovoltaic value chain, creating new connections between PV supply networks across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Shuangliang also highlighted the provision of four sets of green power intelligent hydrogen production systems, which meet industry-leading performance standards. “Looking ahead, Shuangliang will continue leveraging its core technological expertise and innovation-driven strategy while collaborating with global partners to advance clean energy development worldwide,” the firm stated.
United Solar Polysilicon’s manufacturing process utilizes trichlorosilane and metallurgical-grade silicon as primary raw materials, with hydrogen generated through water electrolysis. The production chain incorporates stages such as air separation, hydrogenation, distillation, chemical vapor deposition, gas recovery, and final product finishing.
The high-purity polysilicon rods produced are subsequently cut into smaller fragments and, if necessary, cleaned with acidic solutions to eliminate surface contaminants. Most gases and liquids used during production are recycled, with residual materials treated before disposal.
An onsite silicon grinding facility, operated by a separate entity, prepares the metallurgical-grade silicon feedstock required for the polysilicon plant.
United Solar Polysilicon is supported by a consortium of Omani and international investors. The Oman Investment Authority’s Future Fund Oman stands as the major shareholder, accompanied by the International Finance Corporation as a key development financier. Additional backing comes from local and regional banks, strategic partners such as Waaree Solar, and other shareholders at the United Solar Holding level, including private and founding investors.
This project marks a pivotal step in Oman’s growing role in the global renewable energy sector, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Oman’s entry into high-tech polysilicon manufacturing positions the country as a strategic player in the global clean energy and semiconductor supply chains, unlocking significant opportunities for local businesses to integrate into these advanced sectors. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should capitalize on emerging partnerships and the green energy value chain, while being mindful of technological innovation and sustainable practices as critical success factors in this evolving market.
