MUSCAT – The programme will be launched under the patronage of His Excellency Eng. Salem bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals.

Initiated in cooperation with licensed companies in the electricity sector, the programme aims to promote the use of renewable energy sources in electricity generation and expand community participation in solar energy projects through an innovative model that enables individuals and organisations to benefit from solar power without installing solar systems on their homes or facilities.

The programme is based on the development of community solar power stations connected to the public electricity grid. The benefits generated by these stations will be allocated to subscribers in the form of credits on their electricity bills, helping to reduce monthly electricity costs through a regulated mechanism.

As part of the initiative, the Al Wadi Al Kabir Community Solar Power Station will be inaugurated as the first project implemented under the ‘Imtidad’ Program. It is also the first community solar power station in the Sultanate of Oman and marks the beginning of a gradual expansion of similar projects across the governorates of the Sultanate.

His Excellency Dr. Mansour bin Talib Al Hinai, Chairman of the Authority for Public Services Regulation, stated that the ‘Imtidad’ programme represents an advanced national model for expanding the adoption of solar energy through a flexible mechanism that enables the community to share in the benefits of community solar stations. The initiative also maximises the utilisation of existing assets and facilities by transforming them into productive energy assets.

In a statement to the Oman News Agency, His Excellency added that the impact of the program extends beyond the technical aspects of electricity generation to encompass economic, social, and environmental benefits. These include supporting subscribers, stimulating investment, strengthening local content, and creating new opportunities for Omani talent and local companies.

His Excellency further explained that the programme forms part of broader efforts to increase the contribution of renewable energy sources to the national electricity generation mix, support the sustainability of the national electricity subsidy program, and encourage partnerships among the public sector, private sector, and the community in the development of solar energy projects.

His Excellency Dr. Mansour Al Hinai expressed hope that the ‘Imtidad’ Program will establish a practical model for community solar power stations in the Sultanate of Oman, improve the efficiency of resource utilization, and contribute to achieving the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 for sustainable economic, social, and environmental development.