#Oman #Shanghai Electric #Solar Project #Manah #Oman Manah-1

Successful Launch of Oman Manah-1 Solar IPP Project by Shanghai Electric

On August 15, 2025, Shanghai Electric marked a significant milestone in renewable energy with the successful completion of the first month of operations for the Oman Manah-1 Solar IPP Project, the first solar power plant in Oman with a capacity of 500 MW. This groundbreaking project is designed to generate 1.5 billion kWh of clean energy annually and is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 780,000 tons a year. To put this into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to taking approximately 170,000 gasoline cars off the roads of Oman.

Key Features and Achievements

The Oman Manah-1 project is aligned with Oman’s Vision 2040 for sustainable development and clean energy. The integration of advanced technology and exceptional project management has allowed Shanghai Electric to provide holistic solutions ranging from planning and design to procurement, construction, and long-term operations. This strategic approach not only emphasizes efficiency but also propels global solar technology innovations forward.

To tackle political and technical challenges, Shanghai Electric formed a unique partnership with EDF, a French company, to meet Oman’s stringent technical requirements. Moreover, the ‘split team’ approach enabled Chinese engineers to focus on solar field design while the local Omani team led the construction of the substation. This collaboration significantly helped in reconciling international standards with local regulations.

Efficient Project Management

The project management strategy further divided construction into 11 directly managed sections, resulting in a 22% reduction in the project timeline. Remarkably, using a real-time hazard reporting application, 924 safety risks were mitigated, achieving four million work hours without accidents. Furthermore, dynamic scheduling allowed for the high utilization of large equipment, reaching 90%, while cross-training workers improved operational fluidity across different sites.

During the planning phase, staffing strategies included competing teams with continuous inspections across 59 project zones. Designers were embedded on-site throughout substation construction, enhancing oversight efficiency by 30%. A 20-member skilled team accomplished electrical installations and terminal connections in just 72 hours, streamlining the medium-voltage cable installation process.

This structured coordination set a new record for grid connectivity. Simultaneous testing, day-and-night shifts, and the collaboration of Chinese and Omani teams ensured seamless progress. The project team finished 59 zones in nine days—21 days ahead of schedule—with a flawless 100% success rate on networking, no equipment damage, and zero worker injuries.

Hamood Al Shuaili, the project director, expressed his appreciation, stating, “Shanghai Electric’s solutions have completely reshaped our expectations for the speed of solar project grid connections. The team's unmatched expertise and collaboration set a new benchmark for global standards.”

Local Employment and Community Development

Utilizing advanced Chinese technologies, including high-voltage cable systems and innovative design frameworks, significantly reduced site preparation workloads by 80%, shaving off 60 days from the construction timeline. A streamlined supply chain and precise procurement planning ensured timely deliveries, with all equipment exceeding performance expectations.

In addition, the project bolstered local employment, enhanced energy security, and created lasting social value. Impressively, 90% of the operations and maintenance staff comprises local personnel, and essential technical training programs have been integrated into Oman’s educational system to skill the future workforce—reinforcing community investment alongside sustainability goals.

This initiative exemplifies how renewable energy projects, like the Oman Manah-1 Solar IPP, can become pivotal in fostering sustainable growth and environmental stewardship in the region. As the global community shifts towards cleaner energy sources, such advancements illuminate the path forward for countries striving for energy independence and sustainability.