Oman has launched the first phase’s development of a wind turbine manufacturing facility in Duqm with a 1 GW production capacity, according to a statement issued on Sunday. The facility — the first of its kind in Oman and possibly the whole region — has an initial investment ticket of OMR 70 mn (USD 200 mn) for the first phase, with commercial operations set to begin by the end of next year.

The players: The project is co-led by Oman’s Mawarid Turbine Company and OQ Group. CID Gulf will be responsible for finalizing detailed design for the plant, and Shanghai Electric Wind Power is supporting the project with technology licensing, a research centre, technical design, and the supply of turbines to pilot wind stations. The Labour and Public Services Ministry would be responsible for securing training for 350 professionals ahead of the project’s launch.

The rationale: The facility is set to support the country’s still nascent wind power, with localization removing the high logistical costs and hurdles of exporting and transporting turbines. Output will be used to supply the both local and international markets.

Oman’s yet to catch up on wind: Oman only has 50 MW of operational onshore wind, but will soon add about 920 MW of capacity that are now under development, according to the Dubai-based think tank Dii’s MENA energy outlook 2025 report (pdf). The country is aiming to achieve an 11% share of renewables this year, and 30% by 2030.

IN OTHER REGIONAL WIND NEWS-

About 500 MW of Egypt’s 650 MW Ras Ghareb wind farm is now online after the completion of its 194 MW second phase, according to a cabinet statement issued on Wednesday. The local-international consortium implementing the project — consisting of Orascom Construction, Engie, Toyota Tsusho, and Eurus Energy — will bring the remaining 150 MW online in June. The 500 MW milestone puts the project six months ahead of schedule, said Orascom Construction in a statement (pdf).

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