Oman’s Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) has authorised a first-of-its-kind 303 kW solar power plant in Dhofar Governorate, a report said.

The licence has been issued to Bahwan Astonfield Solar Energy Company, added the Oman Observer report.

According to the agreement signed between the two organisations, the output will be sold to Rural Areas Electricity Company (RAEC).

The licence for this pilot project is the first of its kind, Abdul Wahab bin Abdullah Al Hinai, director of Licences and Legal Affairs at the AER was quoted as saying in the report.

He said that the licence, issued officially on June 1, is valid for two years; the duration of the power purchase contract signed with RAEC.

The AER has initiated development of a regulatory framework which encourages use of renewable energy at various levels, he added.