Barka V desalination plant inaugurated

Muscat: Under the auspices of H.E. Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al-Murshidi, Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority, Nama Power and Water Procurement, the procurer of power and water desalination projects in the Sultanate of Oman, inaugurated on Wednesday the Barka Desalination Plant - Phase five at the plant’s site in the Wilayat of Barka, South Al Batinah Governorate.

The Barka Desalination Plant - Phase five is one of the key projects addressing the water demand in the Sultanate of Oman. Spanning an area of 38,000 square metres, the project boasts a production capacity of 100,000 cubic metres per day. The project represents a pivotal step in Nama Power and Water Procurement’s efforts to enhance the water sector with modern technologies, contributing to the sustainability of water resources through the use of reverse osmosis technology for seawater desalination. The plant commenced its commercial operations on June 22, 2024, at an estimated investment of approximately OMR52 million. This plant is part of a series of the Omani government initiatives aimed at increasing the number of desalination plants across various governorates in the Sultanate of Oman, striving to achieve water security and meet the growing demand for fresh water.

The Barka V Desalination Plant was developed by GS Inima, which has applied its more than 60 years of experience to develop this project. With more than 200 completed water projects in 4 continents GS Inima is one of the world’s leading desalination companies. This state-of-the-art plant, built with the latest technologies, reinforces the company’s commitment to providing sustainable water solutions for Oman.

H.E. Abdulsalam bin Mohammed Al-Murshidi stated that: “This project represents a significant addition to Oman’s vital infrastructure projects, aligning with the national objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the national strategies aimed at achieving sustainable development. It embodies the decentralisation approach adopted by the Oman Investment Authority to promote and thrive governorates development. Furthermore, it highlights the OIA and its companies’ commitment to supporting the national economy by creating opportunities for local content, small and medium enterprises, while creating both direct and indirect employment opportunities for young people.”

Ahmed bin Salem Al-Abri, CEO of Nama Power and Water Procurement, expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the project company and stakeholders in executing and delivering the project ahead of the contracted schedule commercial operation date.

 “The Barka Desalination Plant - Phase five is a successful model of public-private partnership. The plant was established using the latest global systems and standards in reverse osmosis desalination technology, in line with Nama Power and Water Procurement’s strategy to enhance efficiency and reduce the costs of water desalination.” Al-Abri added.

According to Ahmed Al Abri: “The average production of desalinated water has increased from approximately 220,000 cubic metres per day in 2005 to over 1,154,000 cubic metres per day in 2024, with an average annual growth rate of about 9%. This figure is expected to reach an average of 2 million cubic metres per day by 2030”.

Al-Abri added, “The total number of contracted water desalination projects currently stands at around 12 projects. Additionally, GS Inima is currently working on building the largest desalination project in the Sultanate in the Wilayat of Bousher.”

Juan Jose Benayas, the CEO of GS Inima Barka 5 Desalination Company, stated: “Barka 5 is our first project in the Middle East, and we are very proud to have completed the Project with the support of Nama PWP and other stakeholders. The Barka 5 project has been developed 100% by GS Inima with finance provided by the Korea Ex-Im bank, Bank Muscat and Standard Chartered. Barka 5 has been designed and built by GS Inima and the construction was completed in less than 27 months ahead of schedule and with over 3.6 million manhours without accidents. The Omani Content achieved is above 55%. Since the 22nd June 2024, Barka 5 is operated by a GS Inima team 100% Omani, and will continue doing so for the next 20 years. The efficiency of the Barka 5 plant, in terms of power consumption is impressive, and we are developing a solar PV plant that will be built in 2025 to improve profitability of the project and align with the objectives of GS Inima and Nama PWP related to sustainability.”

The inauguration ceremony of the Barka Desalination Plant - Phase five included a speech by Ahmed bin Salem Al-Abri, CEO of Nama Power and Water Procurement, delivered on behalf of the Chairman, Board members, and employees of the company. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to all entities that contributed to the construction of the project. Another speech was delivered by GS Inima Barka 5 Desalination Company’s CEO, Juan Jose Benayas who emphasized GS Inima’s extensive expertise and dedicated efforts in the field of desalination and sustainable water solutions. The program also featured a video presentation illustrating the development of the plant from its inception to the commencement of operations. The ceremony concluded with the electronic unveiling, marking the official opening of the Barka 5 Desalination Plant.