SOHAR Port and Freezone has signed a land lease agreement with JA Solar OM (FZC) SPC. The signing took place during the Advantage Oman Forum, hosted by Invest in Oman. JA Solar is a producer of solar cells and modules.
The project will involve the construction of a solar manufacturing facility in the second phase of SOHAR Freezone. The planned facility will cover an area of 32.5 hectares. JA Solar will invest about USD 565 million into the project.
The facility is expected to produce 6 gigawatts (GW) of solar cells and 3 GW of solar modules each year. Production is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026. The solar components made at the site may be used in local and regional solar projects or exported.
The agreement supports Oman’s efforts to build more renewable energy infrastructure. It also contributes to the goals outlined in Oman Vision 2040, which includes targets for sustainable development.
SOHAR Freezone’s Phase 1 is 85% leased. Phase 2 is under development and spans 675 hectares. The new facility will be located in this phase. The area is being used to support industries related to energy, logistics, and manufacturing.
In addition to this solar manufacturing plant, other lesser-known renewable initiatives in Oman include small-scale solar pilot projects in rural areas managed by Nama Group, as well as rooftop solar systems being deployed at schools and public buildings in Muscat and Dhofar. The pilot solar systems range in capacity from 30 to 100 kilowatts per site and are used to reduce grid dependence.
There are also trials with energy storage at a site in Ibri where Oman Electricity Transmission Company is studying ways to use batteries for grid stabilization. These trials have capacities under 5 megawatts and are not yet scaled for commercial deployment.
