Muscat,
Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) today celebrated the groundbreaking of the strategic and first of its kind Masirah Island interconnection project.
The project aims to enhance development and ensure continuous improvement in the electricity transmission sector’s efficiency by applying best practices and adopting the latest technologies and innovations.
The event was held under the patronage of Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.
This project depends on modern and complicated technologies. It includes the construction of 132/33 kV Masirah Island Grid Station, a 132 kV subsea cable expanding across 25 kilometers, 9 kilometers 132 kV underground cable, along with establishing transmission network in Masirah island and will address the increasing demand for energy and the growth in consumption, thereby improving the quality of public services and supporting the local community, in addition to boosting future investments’ attraction.
Eng. Saleh Nasser Al Rumhi, OETC’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the company’s efforts to strengthen the electricity transmission network, raising efficiency and performance to global standards within internationally approved frameworks and standards. Furthermore, OETC is keen to invest its competencies and expertise in developing the electricity sector in the Sultanate of Oman to achieve the strategic goals and future aspirations.
Al Rumhi added: “OETC works diligently with maximum energy and highest capacities and capabilities to achieve the targets and aspirations at both the institutional and national levels. This is achieved by ensuring the efficiency and132 kV overhead lines expanding over 60 kilometers to link 400/132 kV Mahout Grid Station with Masirah Grid Station. The total cost of this project is approximately RO 72 million.
This project, he added, confirms OETC’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies in line with the development and growth in the electricity sector and applying the highest standards to enhance efficiency and quality of work, in addition to improving the reliability, safety, and sustainability of the electricity transmission network.
Masirah Island interconnection project is also one of the OETC’s most important strategic investments that will undertake a strategic role in achieving the energy transformation plan.
Furthermore, the project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 80,000 tons annually to contribute to achieving the Sultanate of Oman’s Net-Zero emissions by 2050 by replacing electricity generation stations operating on diesel. It will also contribute to supporting Masirah Island with electricity from the main network which depends on other energy sources that are less expensive and more efficient.
The project will also enhance the sustainability and availability of the electricity effectiveness of infrastructure and essential services.
