MUSCAT : With a journey rich in accomplishments, transformative developments, strategic investments, and vital projects, Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) celebrated its 20th anniversary, commemorated annually on the 1st of May. This celebration marks the company’s vital role as a cornerstone and key pillar within the electricity sector, and a principal driver of the nation’s comprehensive development. Through its unwavering commitment and continuous efforts, OETC has consistently advanced numerous projects, initiatives, and strategic plans, all implemented to the highest standards in line with national visions and global aspirations. OETC remains steadfast in its mission to achieve sustainable growth and respond to the increasing demand within the sector, affirming its dedication to enhancing the quality and performance of the electricity transmission network across the Sultanate of Oman. By doing so, the company has cemented its leading role in supporting the nation’s all-encompassing development journey across various fields. Demonstrating its commitment to global excellence, OETC proudly stands as the first Omani institution and among the first in the region to achieve ISO certification for integrated management systems (IMS) covering six interlinked standards.

Since its establishment in 2005, OETC has successfully developed numerous vital projects across Oman. In the past year alone, OETC achieved a remarkable 99.9999% network reliability rate and 98.1112% network availability rate, reflecting the results of its ongoing efforts to expand and enhance its transmission network. This network now covers the Main Interconnected System, alongside the networks of Dhofar, Musandam, and Al Wusta Governorates. To empower its network’s capacities and strengthen its assets, the company’s infrastructure comprises over 116 Grid Stations nationwide, including 17 Grid Stations operating at 400 kV. Additionally, the 132 kV, 220 kV and 400 kV overhead lines and underground cables extend over 10200 kilometers.

Reflecting its unwavering commitment to promoting health, safety, and environmental sustainability, OETC achieved over 53 million safe manhours by the end of last year without any lost-time injuries, alongside recording zero major environmental incidents. These outstanding results stem from the company’s proactive awareness campaigns, comprehensive training programs, strategic initiatives, field visits, direct project supervision, and rigorous inspection and auditing processes across various sites, all conducted with utmost diligence by the company’s executive management and employees.

Reaffirming OETC’s commitment to advancing the nation’s development journey across all sectors, Eng. Saleh Nasser Al Rumhi, Chief Executive Officer of OETC, highlighted the company’s strategic plans and decisive steps to enhance the reliability, security, and sustainability of the transmission network, while continuously working to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the electrical systems by adopting best practices and drawing inspiration from successful global experiences.

Al Rumhi added: “The past year has been filled with achievements we are proud to celebrate today, realized through collective collaboration and dedication. OETC was honored with the Gold Category Award during the Oman Sustainability Week 2024 Awards, recognizing our persistent efforts and valuable initiatives to enhance sustainability. Furthermore, we were awarded the Power Transmission Project of the Year – Oman Award for our landmark “Rabt – Phase 1″ project. We also strengthened the contribution of clean energy resources to our network, successfully transmitting 1500 megawatts of renewable energy through our extensive transmission lines, thus advancing our role in reducing carbon emissions and achieving environmental goals. As we move forward, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting the nation’s developmental journey, inspired and empowered by our wise leadership and clear national vision”.

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.