Oman launched a RO 5 million community solar energy programme on Tuesday aimed at expanding access to renewable power, reducing household electricity costs, and encouraging greater private-sector involvement in the country’s energy transition. The initiative, named the Imtidad Community Solar Power Stations Programme, was unveiled under the supervision of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
The programme, developed by the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR), seeks to establish community solar projects with a total generation capacity of approximately 20 megawatts. It is designed to provide savings of up to 40 percent on electricity bills for beneficiaries of the National Electricity Support Scheme while increasing the share of renewable energy in Oman’s power generation mix.
APSR Chairman Dr Mansour bin Talib al Hinai described the programme as a pioneering model for broadening public engagement with renewable energy. He emphasized that Imtidad is not solely an electricity generation project but an innovative national platform enabling convenient access to solar power. The programme aims to enhance resource efficiency by converting government support spending into productive assets that generate long-term benefits for both consumers and the national economy.
The initial phase involves creating community solar stations with a combined capacity exceeding 20 MW. The launch included the inauguration of Imtidad 1, the first community solar power station in Oman, located in Al Wadi Al Kabir within Muscat Governorate. The facility has a generation capacity of 1.46 MW using nearly 2,000 solar panels and was developed at an estimated cost of RO 300,000 to serve as a pilot project for future expansions.
The project was awarded through a competitive tender process involving Omani small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and renewable energy companies, reflecting the programme’s commitment to boosting local content and developing domestic capabilities in the clean energy sector. Sumaya al Rawahi, CEO of Green Universe Enterprise, one of the SMEs selected, highlighted the opportunity the project presented for Omani companies to contribute to significant renewable energy initiatives. She noted that the experience gained would strengthen national expertise as similar projects are implemented nationwide.
Nasser al Jabri, Chief Operating Officer of Nafath Renewables, underscored the potential for community solar projects to create new investment and development opportunities within Oman’s renewable energy sector. He also pointed to the prospects for job creation, particularly for Omani engineers and technical specialists, which aligns with broader efforts to nurture national talent for emerging energy industries.
The APSR stated that the programme operates under a partnership model involving government agencies, private-sector participants, and local communities to ensure inclusive participation in the country’s clean energy transition. Dr Al Hinai added that the initiative is expected to stimulate investment, strengthen local content, empower national firms, and generate high-quality employment opportunities for Omanis.