#Oman #Renewable Energy #Shanghai Electric #Manah

Shanghai Electric's Oman Manah-1 Solar IPP Achieves Operational Milestone

In a grand step towards clean energy production, Shanghai Electric has successfully completed the first month of operations for its Oman Manah-1 Solar Independent Power Plant (IPP), marking a major milestone in renewable energy initiatives in the region. This landmark project, a crucial part of Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy aimed at sustainability and clean energy, boasts a generation capacity of 500 MW, expected to produce about 1.5 billion kWh of electricity annually. Notably, the project will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 780,000 tons per year, equivalent to removing about 170,000 gasoline-powered cars from the roads in Oman.

Comprehensive Approach to Project Delivery

Shanghai Electric's execution of the Oman Manah-1 project encompasses a holistic approach, including design, procurement, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance. This integrated strategy is set to foster an effective and sustainable energy system while paving the way for innovations in solar technology worldwide.

In addressing the challenges posed by local regulations and technical standards, the company collaborated with French firm Électricité de France (EDF) under a unique dual contract. This cooperation allows Chinese engineers to design the solar fields while an Omani team oversees the substation construction, effectively aligning international standards with local regulations.

Such innovative project management involved dividing the construction into 11 sections, directly managed to accelerate the schedule by 22%. A real-time safety incident reporting application helped to address 924 safety threats, leading to an impressive record of 4 million hours worked without incidents. Furthermore, dynamic scheduling achieved 90% equipment utilization efficiency, while cross-training personnel enhanced mobility across the various locations.

Enhancing Employment and Skills Development

The project significantly bolstered local employment, with 90% of operations and maintenance roles filled by local workers. Moreover, key technical training programs were integrated into Oman’s vocational education system to nurture future competencies within the local workforce.

With a focus on achieving efficiency, a 20-member team remarkably completed tasks related to cabling and terminals in just 72 hours, expediting the installation of medium-voltage wiring. Effective coordination also garnered a new record for grid connection, demonstrating the adept collaboration between Chinese and Omani teams, culminating in a completion ahead of schedule with zero equipment damage or injuries reported.

Hamood Al Shuaili, the Project Director, remarked, "Shanghai Electric's solution has completely transformed our perspective on how swiftly solar energy projects can connect to the grid. The team's unmatched capabilities and collaboration are setting new global standards in engineering."

The project incorporated high-voltage wiring technology from China and updated design of support piles, which notably reduced ground grading workload by 80%, thereby shortening the entire construction timeline by 60 days.

Through optimized supply chains and meticulous delivery planning, equipment requirements achieved superior performance compared to predetermined targets. The successful operation of the Oman Manah-1 project not only enhances local energy security but also generates enduring social value for the community, showcasing Shanghai Electric's commitment to sustainable development in Oman.

Video Highlights

For more insights into the project, you can check the video here.