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 Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) celebrated the groundbreaking of the strategic and first of its kind Masirah Island interconnection project. The event took place on last Thursday, 6th February 2025, under the patronage of His Excellency Engineer Salim Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, and in the presence of several dignitaries, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of Nama Group and OETC, along with the executive management, representatives from various public and private entities, OETC’s employees, contractors, and consultants.
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 132 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 OMR 72 million. This project 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 play a strategic role in achieving the energy transformation plan. Furthermore, it will reduce carbon emissions by more than 80,000 tons annually to contribute to achieving the Sultanate’s Net-Zero emissions by 2050 by replacing electricity generation stations operating on diesel and supporting Masirah Island with electricity from the main network which depends on other energy sources that are less expensive and more efficient, having the clean and renewable energy integrated in these sources. The project will also enhance the sustainability and availability of the electricity 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. We are progressing according to Oman Vision 2040 and the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik aimed at achieving growth, sustainability and development in various governorates. This is achieved by ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure and essential services. Being the sole company that is responsible for electricity transmission and managing the main network system across the Sultanate of Oman, the responsibility on our shoulders is great, which is reflected in our commitment to achieving the targets through such strategic investments".
It is worth mentioning that OETC, a member of Nama Group, is the only company responsible for the transmission and control of electricity across the Sultanate’s network. The electricity is transmitted from production stations to distributed load centers in the governorates. The transmission network operates at a voltage of 132kV and above to cover most of the governorates in the Sultanate, whether in the north or the south. Furthermore, OETC manages the interconnection lines between Oman and the GCC interconnection network, which operates at a voltage of 220kV.