Oman is exploring the possibility of interconnecting its electricity network between Nizwa and Duqm, Petroleum Development Oman’s (PDO) concession areas, and the Dhofar Power System, said a report.

The expected benefits from the proposed interconnection include fuel savings due to improved dispatch coordination among the power systems, access to areas with renewable energy potential, sharing of spinning reserves (reducing operating costs), and improved grid security, according to a seven year-outlook report released by Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP), added the Times of Oman report.

Presently, the sultanate has two main interconnected systems — the main interconnected system (MIS) and the Dhofar Power System.

PDO also has its own power network, while governorates like Musandam have their own separate electricity networks.

The main interconnected system region extends throughout the governorates of Muscat and Buraimi, and most of the governorates of Al Batinah North, Al Batinah South, Al Dakhiliya, Al Sharqiyah North, Al Sharqiya South and Al Dhahirah, serving more than 864,500 electricity customers.

OPWP, the sole procurer of electricity in the sultanate, is exploring a prospective 400 kV interconnection between Nizwa, Duqm, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and the Dhofar Power System, added the report.