Oman PDO Giant Solar Project on Track Despite Setback to US Partner

Oman's energy major Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has announced that work will continue on its ambitious Miraah solar farm project despite its key technology partner, US-based GlassPoint Solar, going into liquidation.

Oman owns 31% of shares in the California-headquartered GlassPoint Solar, while Royal Dutch Shell is a major stake holder. PDO’s giant 1,021 MW solar farm is currently in an advanced stage of implementation at the Amal field in the south of the sultanate, reported Oman Daily Observer.

Construction on the project began in October 2015 with part of the vast scheme already in operation. At full capacity, it will feature a total of 36 glasshouse modules, covering an area of more than 360 football pitches, it stated.

Billed as a pioneer in the use of solar energy for steam generation in heavy oil production, GlassPoint Solar, was facing liquidation following the Covid-19 crisis, it added.