EZAD launches solar power system

The Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah (EZAD) has announced the commissioning of a solar power system as part of the main roads and surface water drainage project, which is currently being implemented by an Omani–Saudi consortium comprising Serka Tahhut Company, Pladco for Planning and Development Company and Gunk Company.

Eng. Ibrahim bin Yousuf Al Zadjali, EZAD Project Manager, said the move reflects the efforts of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) to encourage companies operating in special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities to adopt renewable energy solutions. He noted that the authority has allocated 17 square kilometres within the zone’s master plan for solar farms and renewable energy projects.

Al Zadjali explained that 600 solar panels have been installed in the first phase of a mobile solar farm dedicated to the roads and drainage project, covering an area of 5,000 square metres. The system was implemented by an Omani team from AB Energy.

The solar panels produce 2,446 kilowatt hours per day, with a system capacity of 512 kilowatts at peak and 788 kilowatt hours of battery storage. The project operates as a hybrid solar system, relying entirely on renewable energy during winter. In summer, evening operations depend 70 per cent on solar energy supported by batteries and 30 per cent on diesel generators.

The project aims to reduce carbon emissions by 24.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide per month and achieve cost savings of up to 25 per cent.

Al Zadjali added that the initiative aligns with decisions by the OPAZ’s Board of Directors to allocate areas for solar installations within labour camp zones in Al Dhahirah. He stressed that sustainability is a key requirement for projects implemented in the zone, noting that the roads and drainage project also includes solar powered lighting poles.

The main roads and surface water drainage project forms the foundation of development for the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah. Construction works are progressing, with actual completion reaching 14.87 per cent, compared to a planned 14.41 per cent.

The project has also generated significant local added value, with the Omani–Saudi consortium signing 11 agreements with small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Contracts awarded to SMEs exceed 27 per cent of the total project value of RO 22.3 million, while 60 per cent of SME contracts were awarded to enterprises registered in Al Dhahirah Governorate.

Last year, OPAZ issued tenders for the implementation of the dry port and veterinary quarantine facility (Package Three), as well as the administrative and commercial buildings complex (Package Four) within the zone. Both tenders are expected to be awarded in the coming period.

Covering an area of 388 square kilometres, the Economic Zone at Al Dhahirah was established to stimulate cross border trade between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, support economic diversification, and open new ventures for the economies of the Sultanate of Oman and GCC. The zone is strategically located 20 kilometres from the Rub Al Khali border crossing between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.