Oman Launches $5 Million Community Solar Plan: What It Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs
Oman Launches RO 5 Million Community Solar Energy Programme to Boost Renewable Power Access
Muscat, June 24 – Oman has unveiled a new RO 5 million initiative, the Imtidad Community Solar Power Stations Programme, designed to enhance access to renewable energy, reduce household electricity costs, and encourage greater private sector involvement in the nation’s energy transition. The programme was inaugurated under the patronage of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
Managed by the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), the programme will support the development of community solar projects with a combined generation capacity of approximately 20 megawatts. It aims to deliver savings of up to 40% on electricity bills for recipients of the National Electricity Support Scheme, while increasing the share of renewable energy in Oman’s power sector.
At the launch event, APSR Chairman Eng Mansoor bin Talib al Hinai described the programme as a pioneering model that broadens public access to renewable energy. “The Imtidad programme is not simply an electricity generation project; it is an innovative national model that offers tangible benefits by allowing beneficiaries to easily and conveniently utilize solar power,” he said.
Al Hinai emphasized that the initiative would promote wider adoption of renewable energy, enhance resource efficiency, and transform government support spending into productive assets that generate long-term value both for beneficiaries and the national economy.
The first phase involves establishing community solar stations with a total generation capacity exceeding 20 MW. The programme supports beneficiaries of the national electricity subsidy system while delivering economic, social, and environmental advantages.
The launch also marked the inauguration of Imtidad 1, Oman’s first community solar power station, located in Al Wadi Al Kabir, Muscat Governorate. This facility, equipped with nearly 2,000 solar panels, has a generation capacity of 1.46 MW. Developed with an investment of approximately RO 300,000, Imtidad 1 serves as a pilot for future community solar projects across the Sultanate.
The project was awarded through a competitive tender process involving Omani SMEs and renewable energy companies, reflecting the programme’s commitment to boosting local content and building domestic expertise in the clean energy sector.
Sumaya al Rawahi, CEO of Green Universe Enterprise, which participated in the project, highlighted the capability of Omani SMEs to contribute to large-scale renewable energy ventures. “We are proud to be among the SMEs chosen to execute this project, successfully meeting both technical and commercial requirements,” she said. Al Rawahi noted that the experience gained would strengthen national capabilities as additional community solar projects expand.
Nasser al Jabri, COO of Nafath Renewables, pointed out that the programme creates opportunities for renewable energy developers, investors, and contractors. “For developers, it is a chance to invest and generate income, while companies like Nafath can contribute to building Oman’s renewable energy infrastructure,” he remarked. Al Jabri added that such projects also foster employment for Omani engineers and technical specialists, supporting national talent development in future energy sectors.
According to APSR, the programme adopts a partnership approach involving government bodies, private companies, and local communities to ensure wider participation in Oman’s clean energy transition. “This initiative is a vital opportunity to spur investment in renewables, strengthen local content, empower national businesses, and create quality jobs for Omani professionals,” said Dr. Al Hinai.
Aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s sustainability, economic diversification, and energy security goals, the programme enables consumers to benefit from renewable energy without installing rooftop solar systems, thereby increasing clean power accessibility.
The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with Nama Power and Water Procurement, Nama Electricity Distribution, Nama Dhofar Services, and Nama Supply. Additional community solar projects are expected to launch across Oman in the coming years, supporting the country’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and expand renewable capacity for sustainable growth and energy security.
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Oman’s launch of the RO 5 million Imtidad Community Solar Power Stations Programme signals a transformative shift toward accessible renewable energy، ارائه significant cost-saving opportunities for households and new avenues for private-sector investment. For businesses and investors, this initiative opens the door to expanding infrastructure projects, fostering local SME participation, and capitalizing on Oman’s Vision 2040 goals of economic diversification and sustainability. Smart entrepreneurs should now focus on developing expertise and partnerships in community solar models to capture emerging market demand and support national energy transition efforts.
