EXCLUSIVE: Oil majors express interest in PDO renewables project

13 February 2018
Omani oil major says it has received about 100 expression of interest letters for its first solar power project

Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has received “huge interest” for its first renewable energy project in the sultanate, according to the state-owned oil major’s chief.

Managing director Raoul Restucci told MEED that PDO has received about 100 expressions of interest (EOIs) from local and international energy companies for the 100MW-capacity solar photovoltaic plant to be located in Amin in southern Oman.

Foreign companies that have submitted EOIs include international oil companies Royal Dutch Shell (UK-Netherlands), Total (France) and BP (UK), Restucci said.

MEED reported that PDO has extended the deadline for receiving EOIs from potential developers for the solar independent power producer project from 31 January to 14 February.

“In the end we will go for the most competitive bids [from the 100 or so EOIs PDO has received],” Restucci said.

The successful bidder will be responsible for the design, construction, ownership, financing, operation and maintenance of the solar park. The facility will be constructed under the build-own-operate-transfer model and has to be installed in 18 months.

PDO has stated it will buy the entire output of the plant under a 23-year power purchase agreement.

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