The Sharqiyah Desalination Solar Power project has transitioned from construction to full commercial operation, marking a significant milestone in Oman’s clean energy and water infrastructure program. The 17MWp solar photovoltaic facility, located at the Sharqiyah desalination plant in Sur, now supplies renewable electricity to one of the country’s largest desalination facilities. The project demonstrates how Oman is integrating renewable energy into critical utilities while supporting the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and reducing the carbon footprint of water production.
Current status update of Sharqiyah Desalination Solar Power Project
As of 2026, the Sharqiyah Desalination Solar Power Project has been operating successfully since its inauguration in November 2023. The solar facility generates more than 30GWh of renewable electricity annually, supplying enough clean energy to meet the desalination plant’s entire daytime electricity demand and more than one-third of its total daily energy consumption.
The project remains the largest solar-powered desalination installation in Oman and continues to support the Sur desalination plant, which provides drinking water to more than 600,000 residents in eastern Oman. The development also avoids approximately 27,200 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, reinforcing Oman’s national decarbonisation strategy.
Its successful delivery has encouraged wider adoption of renewable energy across Oman’s water sector. Government agencies and utilities are now pursuing additional solar-powered desalination initiatives as part of the country’s broader renewable energy roadmap.
The project also complements other renewable infrastructure developments across the Sultanate. Notably, Oman recently advanced the Ibri 3 Solar Project, where a EPC contractor was appointed to deliver the 500MW utility-scale solar plant with a 100MWh battery energy storage system. Together, these projects illustrate Oman’s strategy of expanding renewable energy across both electricity generation and essential public utilities.
Expectations for the Sharqiyah desalination plants solar power facility
Also Read: Utico Plans to Develop Desalination Plant in Ghubra, Oman
The Sharqiyah desalination plants solar power facility will contribute to the provision of power for the Sharqiyah desalination plant in the city of Sur. As a result, the desalination plant will be able to supply drinking water to well about 600,000 inhabitants of the Sharqiyah region.
In addition, the solar power plant will help avoid well about 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. This is in perfect and unified alignment with Oman’s National Energy Strategy. The initiative aims 2030, to convert 30% of its electricity use to renewable sources.
The Senior Vice President of TotalEnergies commented on the project. Vincent Stoquart noted that the Sharqiyah desalination plants solar power facility project is also in line with their strategy. He explained that their strategy aims to develop renewable energy within the Middle East.
Vincent further added that they aim to provide customers with reliable, affordable, and clean energy solutions.
Project fact sheet
Project: Sharqiyah Desalination Solar Power Project
Location: Sur, Sharqiyah Governorate, Oman
Project type: Solar photovoltaic plant for desalination
Status: Operational (since November 2023)
Solar capacity: 17MWp
Annual electricity generation: More than 30GWh
Primary purpose: Supply renewable electricity to the Sharqiyah desalination plant
Water supplied: Drinking water for over 600,000 people
Renewable contribution: Covers 100% of daytime electricity demand and over one-third of total daily energy consumption
Annual CO₂ reduction: Approximately 27,200 tonnes
Strategic significance: Largest solar-powered desalination facility in Oman
National alignment: Oman Vision 2040 and renewable energy strategy
Project team
Project owner: Sharqiyah Desalination Company SAOG (SDC)
Plant operator: Veolia
Solar development partner: TotalEnergies
Power and water procurement authority: Nama Power & Water Procurement Company (Nama PWP)
Host government authority: Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Sultanate of Oman
Technology: Utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) system
End user: Sharqiyah desalination plant, Sur
Beneficiaries: Residents served by the Sharqiyah regional water network
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