01 / FRAMEWORK
What Oman signed at Duqm and Ibri
On 2 November 2026, China State Grid International Development and an Omani state-owned power holding group under the Oman Investment Authority signed a framework to evaluate and develop two battery energy storage systems (BESS). The announcement covers 500 MW at each site and does not announce an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) award or a supply contract. Read the Oman Observer report.
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Item
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Published details
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Signatories
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China State Grid International Development and an Omani state-owned power holding group under the Oman Investment Authority
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Signing
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2 November 2026 at the Oman–China investment forum
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Scope
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Joint evaluation and development of two grid-scale battery energy storage systems
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Target power
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1,000 MW combined, with 500 MW planned at each site
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Sites
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Duqm Industrial Station in Al Wusta and Al-Subaikhi (Ibri Solar 3) Station in Ad Dhahirah
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Grid connection
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Both sites are planned to connect to Oman's national transmission network at 400 kV
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Reported project value
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About OMR 384.5 million (US$1 billion), an estimate attributed to the Oman Investment Authority by MEED
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Stage
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Development framework. The announcement identifies no EPC award, equipment contract or financing close.
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Unpublished parameters
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Storage duration, energy capacity in MWh, chemistry, detailed design and construction or commissioning dates
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WHY DURATION MATTERS
MW describes power. Energy capacity depends on the discharge duration. At the same 500 MW rating, a longer duration may require more battery racks and change DC routes, terminations and equipment layout. A cable quantity estimate needs the actual design basis.
02 / MARKET CONTEXT
Where the 1 GW framework fits in Oman
- Renewable generation. Oman is expanding renewable generation and transmission. MEED reports a projection of 30% renewable electricity generation by 2030, up from about 4% in 2024. MEED market coverage.
- Separate storage procurement. MEED reported a standalone 950 MW programme covering five facilities under Nama Power & Water Procurement. Track its tender milestones separately from the Duqm–Ibri framework. Read the procurement report.
- Existing transmission relationship. Oman Electricity Transmission Company's offering circular documents State Grid's 49% investment in the transmission company. The framework extends that relationship into battery storage development. Read the OETC offering circular.
IBRI SITE CONTEXT
The Al-Subaikhi station name refers to the Ibri Solar 3 grid connection. OQ separately describes Ibri III Solar PV as a 500 MW solar project with 100 MWh of battery storage. The 500 MW framework proposal at Al-Subaikhi has no published MWh rating. Read the OQ annual report.
03 / CABLE SCOPE
Cable circuits to review for a 500 MW BESS
Start with the battery and power conversion system (PCS) layout, then trace each internal connection and field route. The matrix shows common cable duties for budget planning. Final ratings and installation requirements depend on the project design and approval documents.
On narrow screens, scroll the table horizontally to see all columns.
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Cable duty
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Common selection basis
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Check before quotation
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Battery and PCS DC circuits
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Maximum system voltage, current, fault duty and installation method
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Separate internal equipment wiring from field-installed DC feeders. Specify flame and smoke requirements by circuit.
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PV strings on a hybrid site
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Approved PV cable construction, such as EN 50618 H1Z2Z2-K
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Confirm voltage drop, UV exposure and connector compatibility for the PV circuit.
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LV auxiliaries and distribution
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Cu or Al XLPE power cable, often 0.6/1 kV for suitable circuits
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Confirm route, armour, termination details and installation derating.
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MV collector circuits
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Single-core or three-core XLPE matched to the collector voltage
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Confirm the voltage class, screens, bonding and transformer or switchgear interfaces.
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Earthing and bonding
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Protective conductor sized to the earthing and fault design
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Check the specific product's UV and environmental suitability for exposed runs.
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Pre-terminated assemblies
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Factory-assembled links for agreed dimensions and terminations
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Freeze lengths, connector or lug details and acceptance tests before production.
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INTERNAL VS FIELD WIRING
UL AWM Style 11627 is listed for internal wiring in UL's reference. Specify field feeders to the installation requirements and verify the exact cable's approval and test documentation. UL Style 11627 reference.
04 / SUPPLY SCOPE
Where SINELINK fits in GCC cable procurement
For this type of project, SINELINK can support plant-level DC, PV, LV and MV cabling, earthing and pre-terminated assemblies. This cable scope stops at the agreed plant interface. The 400 kV connection, PCS, battery racks, transformers and switchgear sit beyond that scope.
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Project duty
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Relevant SINELINK product range
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Battery and PCS DC circuits
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UL 11627 energy storage cable for suitable internal circuits. The energy storage cable range also lists ESP15Z3Z3-K 1,500 V DC. Confirm the exact construction and approvals for the intended route.
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PV-side DC circuits
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EN 50618 H1Z2Z2-K solar cable for compatible PV applications.
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LV distribution
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Low-voltage power cables for project-specified Cu or Al circuits.
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MV collector runs
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Single-core and three-core XLPE power cables, subject to the confirmed voltage class and installation.
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Earthing and bonding
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H07Z-K green/yellow earth cable where the conductor size, route and product rating suit the circuit.
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Pre-terminated links
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Flexible and pre-assembled cables built to the agreed lengths and termination drawings.
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For the checks behind each selection, see BESS Cable Selection Pitfalls.
05 / SOURCING
What GCC buyers can prepare before an Oman tender
- Port and route. Compare Duqm and Sohar using the delivery address, drum dimensions, handling limits, vessel schedules and onward haulage. Confirm transit and clearance for the actual shipment.
- Vendor qualification. Ask the EPC or owner for its approved vendor list (AVL) and required type-test reports, certificate of origin, and third-party inspection scope.
- Circuit and site conditions. Confirm the specified standards, permitted wiring method, flame and smoke criteria and outdoor exposure. For coastal storage, agree drum protection, end sealing and handling instructions.
Milestones to watch in Oman
Track any public EPC appointment or tender for Duqm and Ibri, the duration and layout decisions, the collector-to-substation interface and any project-specific in-country value requirements. Follow updates to the separate 950 MW programme on its own schedule.
06 / PROJECT ENQUIRY
Request a preliminary DC and LV cable schedule
For an Oman or GCC storage project, share the rack count, PCS layout and site location. Include available circuit ratings and route lengths so SINELINK can assess the cable schedule, drum split and possible delivery route through Sohar or Duqm.
Share your project details →07 / FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who is developing Oman's 1 GW battery storage proposal?
China State Grid International Development and an Omani state-owned power holding group signed the framework to evaluate and develop the two sites. The announcement did not identify an EPC award or equipment supply contract.
At what voltage would the Duqm and Ibri sites connect?
Both facilities are planned to connect to Oman's national transmission network at 400 kV. The announcement does not specify the plant-level DC or collector circuit ratings.
Which standards apply to BESS cabling in Oman?
Start with the owner's approved project specification and applicable installation requirements. Check the permitted use, test documentation and vendor qualification for each cable. UL AWM Style 11627 covers internal wiring.
Can cable drums be routed through Duqm or Sohar?
Both are routes to assess with a freight forwarder. Compare carrier acceptance, drum size and weight, clearance arrangements and onward transport to the site before confirming a delivery plan.
How much DC cable would a 500 MW BESS need?
Quantity depends on the rack count, PCS layout, installation routes and storage duration. The public framework announcement does not give enough design information to calculate a quantity for either site.