Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) has announced the design and implementation of a new direct interconnection between Oman’s power grid and the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA). The project is expected to be completed by Q4 2026 and marks a significant step in enhancing Oman’s power infrastructure and regional energy cooperation.
The direct electricity connection Oman to GCC Grid will significantly improve power grid security and allow for more efficient electricity transfer capacity. This interconnection of Oman power to GCC will drive renewable energy development and help achieve fuel savings.
By increasing electricity transfer capacity, the project will also contribute to economic savings in the region.
Technical Highlights of the Project
The new interconnection includes:
- Route Length: The connection will span 528 kilometers, starting at the 400kV Ibri Independent Power Project (IPP) station in Oman’s Al Dhahirah Governorate and linking to a new 400kV GCCIA station in Ibri.
- Overhead Transmission Lines: From the Ibri GCCIA station, the line will extend to the 400kV Silaa grid station in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Transfer Capacity: The link will boost power transfer capacity to 1,600 MW, enhancing grid reliability and resilience.
Eng. Sultan Al Rumhi, CEO of OETC, stated: “The project underscores the importance of regional cooperation in advancing energy security and economic development. It will significantly enhance Oman’s integration into the Gulf’s power network.”
Key Benefits of the Direct Link
The new interconnection offers several technical and economic advantages:
- Enhanced Grid Security: Improved reliability and reduced dependency on internal generation.
- Power Trading Opportunities: Facilitation of economic power trading across GCC countries.
- Renewable Energy Development: Support for expanding renewable energy projects in Oman.
- Fuel Savings: Reduction in gas and diesel consumption for power generation.
- Economic Savings: Lower capital (CAPEX) and operational (OPEX) expenditures.
Power Exchange Statistics for 2023
In 2023, Oman achieved:
- 93,029.56 MWh of power exports to the GCCIA grid.
- 85,089.46 MWh of power imports from the GCCIA grid.
These figures highlight Oman’s active role in regional power exchange, leveraging interconnectivity to address local and regional energy demands.
Additional OETC Initiatives
Beyond this new direct link, OETC is advancing plans to connect Oman’s Musandam Governorate to the UAE’s transmission grid:
- Project Details: A new 132kV double overhead line (25km) and underground cable (6km) will connect Fila (UAE) and Dibba (Oman).
- Completion Timeline: The project, already approved by the Authority for Public Services Regulation, is expected to be operational by December 2026.
- Benefits: Increased grid stability, reliable power supply, and reduced generation investments in the Musandam region.
Source:
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