A 6.5MWp photovoltaic facility built to power one of Oman's largest reverse osmosis plants has entered permanent service, in what its developers say is only the third self-supply solar project of its kind in the Sultanate.
Developed by Spanish water company GS Inima and built by Nafath Renewable Energy LLC, with OCA Global as owner's engineer, the plant sits next to the Barka 5 Independent Water Project on the Batinah coast. At full daytime capacity, it is designed to supply up to half of the electricity used by the adjacent desalination facility.
"The Barka 5 PV plant is only the third of its kind in Oman to power a large-scale desalination facility through a self-supply model. This achievement not only underscores GS Inima's commitment to the global energy transition but also highlights our ability to integrate innovative, sustainable solutions that optimize the water-energy nexus for the benefit of the community and the environment," said Juan Jose Benayas, chief executive of GS Inima Barka 5.
At full daytime capacity, it is designed to supply up to half of the electricity used by the adjacent desalination facility
The installation comprises 10,504 Jinko Solar bifacial modules of 620Wp on fixed structures from Mibet Energy, with power routed through 18 Sungrow 320kWac inverters and an 11kV connection. It delivers an annual output of 12,454MWh at a performance ratio of 83.56%, feeding a desalination plant that already runs at 2.7kWh per cubic metre — among the lowest figures for high-capacity reverse osmosis in the region.
"Integrating photovoltaic assets into our water infrastructure is a strategic business priority for GS Inima. By developing this PV plant, we are not just optimizing our operational costs and energy security; we are demonstrating the commercial viability of large-scale renewable hybridization. This project is a key asset in our energy portfolio, ensuring long-term competitiveness in a market that increasingly demands efficiency and technological leadership," said Jacobo Stuyck, the company's director of renewable energy.
Barka 5 reached its commercial operation date ahead of contract despite the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic. "From the very beginning, Barka 5 has been about breaking records and exceeding expectations. Achieving COD ahead of schedule was our first major victory; today, by making permanent self-supply PV plant a reality, we solidify Barka 5 as a pioneer of sustainable desalination in the Sultanate and our commitment with Oman," Benayas said.
