Al Dhahirah Special Economic Zone Adopts Solar Energy for Roads Project

Renewable Energy System Launched to Support Infrastructure Project in Al Dhahirah

Ibri:  The Special Economic Zone Development Project in Al Dhahirah Governorate has announced the operation of a solar energy system within the project to construct main roads and a surface water drainage system, which is being implemented by a consortium of Omani-Saudi companies.

The solar power system produces 2,446 kilowatt-hours per day, with a peak capacity of 512 kilowatts and a battery storage capacity of 788 kilowatt-hours. The project operates as a hybrid renewable energy system, running entirely on solar power during the winter season. In summer, the system relies on solar energy supported by batteries at a rate of 70 percent, while diesel generators contribute 30 percent during evening periods.

The system is expected to reduce carbon emissions by an average of 24.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide per month and achieve cost savings of up to 25 percent.

The project to construct main roads and a surface water drainage system represents a cornerstone of development in the Special Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate. Construction works are progressing as planned, with the actual completion rate reaching 14.87 percent, compared to a planned rate of 14.41 percent.

Eng. Ibrahim bin Yousef Al-Zadjali, Director of the Special Economic Zone Development Project in Al Dhahirah Governorate, said that the operation of the solar system comes in line with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones’ efforts to encourage companies operating in special, free, and industrial economic zones to adopt renewable energy solutions. He noted that the Authority has allocated 17 square kilometres of the zone’s master plan for solar panel farms and renewable energy projects.

In a statement to the Oman News Agency, he explained that 600 solar panels were installed as a first phase of a mobile solar panel farm dedicated to the roads and drainage project, covering an area of 5,000 square metres. He added that the project was implemented by an Omani work team from IB Energy.

Eng. Al-Zadjali added that the project is in line with decisions of the Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones to allocate areas for solar panel installations within labour camp zones, affirming the Authority’s commitment to ensuring environmental sustainability across all projects in the Special Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate.

He further noted that the roads and drainage project places strong emphasis on local added value, with the Omani-Saudi consortium signing 11 agreements with small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Contracts awarded to SMEs exceeded 27 percent of the total project cost of RO 22.3 million, while SMEs registered in Al Dhahirah Governorate accounted for 60 percent of the total value of SME contracts.

Last year, the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones launched tenders for the implementation of the dry port and veterinary quarantine project (Package 3) and the administrative and commercial building complex (Package 4) in the Special Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate. The two tenders are expected to be awarded in the coming period.

The Special Economic Zone in Al Dhahirah Governorate covers an area of 388 square kilometres and was established to stimulate cross-border and regional trade between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, support economic diversification, and capitalize on the zone’s strategic location 20 kilometres from the Empty Quarter border crossing.