Oman will issue RFPs for two 100 MW onshore wind farms: Omani state-owned oil company Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) will issue requests for proposals (RFPs) for two wind farms with a 100 MW generation capacity each in the city of Qarn Alam, the Solar Quarter writes. PDO is also looking to establish a 100 MW solar energy plant with plans to have it complemented by the country’s first battery energy storage system.

The details: The two wind farms — named Riyah 1 and Riyah 2 — are expected to come online in 2026. PDO also plans to kick off operations on the 100 MW North Solar Storage PV plant in 2025. The solar farm will be coupled with the country's first lithium ion battery energy storage system facility to enable electrical transmission beyond daylight hours, the news outlet writes. The BESS facility will have a 100 MW peak energy capacity during daylight hours.

Iraq plans to build its first nuclear reactor: Iraq is reportedly eyeing the construction of a nuclear power generator as part of state plans to expand its clean energy generation capacity while minimizing its reliance on oil and gas imports, local publication Al-Forat News reports. The targeted generation capacity of the nuclear project and the expected investment ticket for the plant were not disclosed. The country would leverage the power source to power mega construction projects it has in the pipeline including the USD 17 bn Development Road connecting Iraq’s southern border to Northern Turkey through a 1.2k kilometer rail line and motorway.

A regional trend? Saudi Arabia is reportedly in talks with state-owned company China National Nuclear Corp to set up a nuclear facility in the country’s Eastern Province bordering Qatar and the UAE. Earlier this month, The Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority approved the construction of the fourth and final 1.2 GW reactor at the country’s 4.8 GW Dabaa nuclear power plant. Over in the UAE, The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation began operational readiness procedures for the fourth and final unit of Abu Dhabi’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in August. The third unit added 1.4 GW to the UAE grid back in February, and the fourth phase is set to increase the plant’s full production volume to 5.6 GW of clean energy once fully operational — meeting some 25% of the UAE’s total energy needs.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • Mangroves for everyone at COP28: The Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) announced the launch of the "Ghars Al Emarat" (UAE Planting Initiative), which will see ten mangrove trees planted for each COP28 visitor. (Statement)
  • KSA tackles water insecurity: Saudi Arabia has announced the formation of its Riyadh-based Global Water Organization to encourage bilateral cooperation in combating water-deficiency challenges. (Saudi Press Agency)
  • Masdar strikes CCUS partnership with EtihadWe: Emirati utility company EtihadWater and Electricity is partnering with UAE state-owned renewables company Masdar on upscaling its carbon capture and utilization capabilities. (Statement)
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