The first turbine from the 50MW Dhofar wind farm in Oman has connected to the grid and produced the project’s first power.
The wind farm, being developed by Masdar, will see its 12 remaining wind turbines commissioned, tested and connected to the grid in sequence.
Full commercial operations are expected before the end of 2019.
GE Renewable Energy and Spain’s TSK are providing engineering, procurement and construction services on the project.
Once fully commissioned, the wind farm is expected to generate enough electricity to supply 16,000 homes, equivalent to 7% of Dhofar Governorate’s total power demand, and will be the first utility-scale wind farm in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
GE provided the project’s 3.8MW wind turbines, which have been built to withstand Oman’s hot and arid desert conditions.
TSK is responsible for the remainder of the wind farm’s infrastructure and electrical transmission facilities connecting the plant to the grid.
The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company will purchase the generated power from the Rural Areas Electricity Company of Oman (Tanweer), which is responsible for operating the wind power plant upon completion.
ADFD director general Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi said: “ADFD recognised early on the importance of funding renewable energy projects in driving the objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“Aimed at helping to achieve SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy – this strategic venture also contributes to enhancing Oman’s energy output, while creating job opportunities and bolstering sustainable economic development in the country.”
Masdar chief executive Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi added: “The successful connection of the first wind turbine to the electricity transmission grid at the Dhofar Wind Farm is a major step for Oman and the country’s ambitions to diversify its energy mix to include renewables.”