Oman has launched the Imtidad community solar programme, aiming to expand renewable energy adoption while creating new opportunities for local clean energy companies. The initiative, rolled out last week by the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) in collaboration with Nama Group and licensed electricity firms, enables households and businesses to access solar power without installing panels on their premises. Instead, participants subscribe by purchasing shares in community solar stations connected to the national grid, receiving bill credits based on the electricity generated.
The programme marks a significant step in engaging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the renewable energy value chain. Green Universe Enterprise (GUE), an Omani SME, was awarded the first phase of the project following a competitive tender conducted by Nama Distribution Company. Sumaya al Rawahi, GUE’s CEO, noted that the company met all technical and commercial requirements, highlighting the tender process’s focus on empowering Omani SMEs.
Designed as a community-wide effort, Imtidad targets a range of public and private sectors including schools, hospitals, and residences with the goal of increasing renewable energy generation across the country. Another local participant, Voltamp Energy, supplied specialized inverter-duty transformers essential for connecting the solar facilities to Oman’s electricity grid. Issa al Maskari, Business Development Manager at Voltamp Energy, said the transformers are engineered to operate reliably for 25 to 30 years under harsh environmental conditions, with proper maintenance potentially extending their lifespan beyond 50 years.
Muscat-based Nafath Renewable Energy is also poised to compete for future projects under the Imtidad programme. Nasr al Nasseri, Business Development Officer at Nafath, described the company’s integrated approach, which includes feasibility studies, design, implementation, commissioning, maintenance, and real-time performance monitoring through dedicated tracking systems.
By allowing customers to participate in renewable energy generation without owning or managing infrastructure, the Imtidad scheme aims to optimize the use of underutilized land and reduce electricity costs for participants. APSR officials emphasize that this model aligns with the Sultanate of Oman’s broader environmental objectives as outlined in Oman Vision 2040, supporting the country’s ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources.