Shams Ad-Dhahira Generating Company (SAGC), a company backed by a consortium led by Saudi-based Acwa Power, a major developer, owner, and operator of power generation and water desalination plants, is gearing up for the commissioning of Oman’s biggest solar photovoltaic (PV) project – the 500 MW Ibri 2 – ahead of its full commercial operation in mid-2021.

The mega project, coming up on a 1,300-hectare site in the country’s northwest region of Ibri, is being developed in consortium with top Kuwaiti groups Gulf Investment Corporation and Alternative Energy Projects Company.

A consortium of PowerChina, one of the world’s largest power construction contractors and PowerChina Huadong, is building the Ibri-2 IPP as engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors. 

The First National Operation and Maintenance Company (Nomac) has been named the operations and maintenance contractor. As per a construction timeline provided by SAGC, a start-up test is scheduled later this month with the commercial operation date scheduled for June 1.

Meanwhile, the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR) is all set to grant a generation licence to SAGC, reported Oman Observer.

The proposed Generation Licence (Renewable Energy), once approved, will be effective for a period of 25 years, with the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) offtaking the plant’s electricity output during this period.

When fully operational, it will feature an estimated 1.4 million bifacial-type solar panels, which generate energy from both top and rear sides.