Oman's New Direct Link With GCCIA Grid To Boost Power Capacity By 2026
Oman is embarking on an ambitious project to enhance its power infrastructure by establishing a new direct interconnection link with the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA). Slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2026, this initiative, as confirmed by Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC), aims to bolster the reliability and resiliency of the region's power grid.
The strategic link will connect the 400kV grid station at the Ibri Independent Power Project (IPP) in Al Dhahirah Governorate, Oman, to a new 400kV grid station in Ibri, which will be constructed and owned by GCCIA. Spanning 528 kilometres, overhead lines will extend to another GCCIA-owned 400kV grid station in Silaa, Abu Dhabi, UAE. This connection is poised to significantly increase the transfer capability between the Oman and GCCIA networks to up to 1600 megawatts (MW).
OETC outlines multiple benefits of direct interconnectivity with the GCCIA grid. These include integrating spinning reserve requirements, facilitating economic power trading between member systems, optimizing generation dispatch, and fostering renewable energy development. Additionally, the connection is expected to reduce the use of fuel gas and diesel for power generation, thereby improving grid security and availability, decreasing generation capacity requirements, and yielding capital and operational expenditure savings.
Oman's existing connection with the GCCIA through the UAE's transmission system (Transco Abu Dhabi), established in 2011, has already demonstrated the potential for enhanced energy collaboration within the region.
Interconnection Performance and Future Plans
In 2023, power exchanged between Oman and the existing GCCIA interconnection reached over 93,029.56 megawatt-hours (MWh) through exports and 85,089.46 MWh through imports. These figures underline the robust existing energy exchange mechanisms and the potential for further integration.
OETC is not stopping with the GCCIA link. Plans are also being solidified for an interconnection between the isolated Musandam system, which currently relies on conventional gas and diesel power, and the UAE's interconnected transmission system (Transco). This project involves installing a new 132 kV double overhead line of 25km and an underground cable of 6km to connect the existing Fila grid station (UAE Transco) to the existing Dibba grid station in Oman. Expected to complete in December 2026, this initiative has already secured initial approval from the Authority for Public Services Regulation (APSR).
According to Eng. Sultan al Rumhi, CEO of OETC, the new connections are envisioned to enhance grid stability, ensure a reliable and accessible power supply, improve security of supply, and save on generation investments. These strategic infrastructural developments signify Oman's forward-thinking approach to energy management and its commitment to sustainable development within the region.
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