By Kabeer Yousuf
Marking a quantum leap in the Sultanate’s move to generate alternative energy and distribution among the remotest areas, construction of the first wind-power project in Dhofar Governorate is on track and will begin soon, according to top official.
Construction of the highly sought-after Harweel project, a joint initiative between the state-owned RAECO (Rural Areas Electricity Company) and UAE’s Masdar will be completed in the next 18 months from the date of beginning and will be operational within next two years. Upon completion, the plant will be able to generate 50MW power for the country, the source added.
“We’ll begin the construction activities to be completed in next less than 2 years and will be operational towards the goal of producing 50mega watt electricity from renewable energy”, a top official who was on a short visit to the capital area told the Observer.
The first of its kind in the region, Harweel project is also expected to generate scores of direct and indirect jobs while enabling the workforce who will be proficient in operating wind turbines. These youngsters will be trained in countries that currently have wind turbines.
“Under a power purchase agreement with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), RAECO will be operating the project. This project can be called an excellent example for Oman and UAE collaboration”, the official added.
The Dhofar wind project will be built on a total area of 200,000 square metres and nearly 25 turbines will be in operation with an individual capacity of around 3MW.
They will be erected at an approximate height of 120 to 145 metres from the land surface. The power generated by the Harweel plant will suffice about 50 per cent of the need in Dhofar Governorate during winter season.
OPWP has earlier carried out extensive studies on the wind availability and the hourly wind data at the Harweel site following which a production profile and analysis chart were prepared on its feasibility of producing electricity.
© Oman Daily Observer 2017
