Solar Mining Pilot — Oman
Remote industries are among the hardest sectors to decarbonize, yet new hybrid systems are proving what’s possible even in extreme conditions. Oman’s solar-plus-storage mining pilot shows how renewable power can replace diesel in some of the world’s harshest environments — delivering cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy around the clock. It’s a model redefining what sustainable industrial operations can look like.
Mining operations have long depended on diesel generators — a costly and polluting lifeline in remote regions.
In Oman, that equation is changing thanks to a pioneering hybrid project that combines solar energy, battery storage, and intelligent power management to sustain 24/7 operations with minimal fuel use.
Located near Ibri, the pilot site supplies electricity to a mid-sized copper and nickel extraction facility. At its core lies a 25 MW solar array integrated with a 10 MWh lithium battery system, supported by a smart microgrid controller.
During the day, solar power meets most of the mine’s energy demand, while excess electricity charges the batteries. At night or during sandstorms, stored power and backup generators maintain stability.
The impact has been immediate. Diesel consumption has dropped by more than 80 %, reducing both operating costs and CO₂ emissions.
The modular system can expand easily, allowing additional panels or storage units to be added without disrupting operations.
Beyond economics, the project proves that renewable energy can thrive even in extreme desert conditions — temperatures exceeding 50°C, dust exposure, and variable loads. With proper design and thermal management, solar and storage outperform expectations.
Oman’s government views this initiative as a blueprint for sustainable resource extraction. With dozens of remote industrial sites spread across the Arabian Peninsula, hybrid systems like this could eliminate millions of liters of diesel use annually.
The Solar Mining Pilot is more than a technical success; it’s a statement that the clean energy transition doesn’t stop at city borders. It reaches into the world’s harshest environments — and powers them sustainably.