OETC taps local suppliers for RO 70m worth of goods for Rabt – 1 project

Underscoring its commitment to In-country Value (ICV) creation from its investments, Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) says it procured over RO 70 million worth of goods and services from the local market for Phase 1 of its Rabt interconnection project.

In an interview with the Observer, Eng Saleh bin Nasser al Rumhi, CEO, shed light on the organisation’s commitment to local manufacturing and its recent achievements in expanding Oman’s electricity infrastructure.

Last year, OETC reached a significant milestone with the completion of phase one of the Rabt project, which extended the network to Duqm SEZ across a vast expanse of 500 kilometres.

The completion of this phase has paved the way for the phase two expansion, which aims to interconnect the north and south regions, including crucial areas such as hydrogen development zones.

One notable aspect of OETC’S approach is its steadfast support for local content. Phase one of the Rabt project alone yielded approximately RO 70 million worth of ICV from locally manufactured and procured items.

Al Rumhi expressed confidence that this figure would rise with phase two underway, as OETC prioritises the inclusion of locally produced transformers and cables wherever feasible.

This commitment to local manufacturing extends to the Dhofar expansion, reinforcing OETC’S pivotal role in driving Oman’s sustainable development agenda, particularly in the realms of hydrogen and renewable energy initiatives.

Earlier this week, OETC signed agreements totalling over RO 322 million for the “Rabt – Phase 2” and Dhofar Governorate projects. Rabt – Phase 2 project, with a budget of RO 257 million, aims to establish three grid stations and extend overhead lines over 550 kilometres, crucially connecting the main transmission network with the Dhofar electricity network.

This ambitious undertaking includes provisions for connections to wind farms and the Thamrait Grid Station, slated for completion by 2027.

In parallel, projects in Dhofar Governorate, totalling RO 65 million, involve the establishment of 132 kv transmission lines spanning 269 kilometres and the construction of three 132 kv Grid Stations, expected to be finalised by 2026.

These initiatives represent a concerted effort by OETC to enhance the reliability and sustainability of Oman’s electricity supply, facilitating the connection of the nation’s northern and southern regions.

Furthermore, they play a pivotal role in contributing to Oman’s carbon neutrality goals by reducing emissions and operational costs, thus underlining OETC’S commitment to driving forward Oman’s energy transition agenda.