Leading global law firm Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has advised the sponsors on the development and financing aspects of the 120 MW Jaalan Bani Bu Ali (JBB) Wind Independent Power Project in the Sultanate of Oman.
The project is being developed by a consortium led by EDF power solutions, Al Khadra Partners (part of the Hind Bahwan Group) and OQ Alternative Energy (OQAE), which signed a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company SAOC. Set to be one of the largest onshore wind farms in Oman, the project will be developed, built, owned and operated by the consortium.
Upon completion, the JBB Wind Farm will generate renewable electricity sufficient to power over 13,500 Omani households and will avoid more than 270,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, freeing up around 67 million cubic metres of natural gas each year. The project will help Oman achieve its target of increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix to a minimum of 30% by 2030 and contribute to the country's Net Zero 2050 ambitions.
The project represents a significant milestone in the development of renewable energy infrastructure in the Sultanate and further demonstrates the continued growth of the region's clean energy sector.
The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer team was led by partner Phil Hanson and included senior associates Adel Shageev, Maria Zerkalova and Charles Oliver; associates Rayanne Ibrahim and Youssef Khalil; and trainee Mohammed Alarrak.
Partner Phil Hanson commented: "We are delighted to have advised the sponsors on this significant renewable energy project, which will play an important role in supporting Oman's energy transition and sustainability goals. The JBB Wind Farm is a landmark development for the Sultanate's renewable energy sector and reflects the increasing momentum behind clean energy projects across the region. This transaction further strengthens Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer's market-leading track record of advising on complex and innovative energy and infrastructure projects throughout the Middle East and follows our previous role advising EDF on the Manah solar project in Oman."