Muscat: A state-owned wastewater management utility firm has invited investors from all over the globe to develop a Biomethane power plant coupled with Photovoltaic (PV) components, a first of its kind in Oman.

The Salalah based, Dhofar Integrated Services Company (DISC) – created out of  the integration of Salalah Sanitary Drainage Services Company (which oversaw wastewater services in Salalah until recently), Directorate-General of Water (which was responsible for potable water distribution in the governorate), and Dhofar Power Company (which handled electricity distribution and supply in the governorate) – is the client and it operates under the umbrella of the Nama Group.

Unlike similar ventures — pilot and commercial-scale — that are in development and operation at various locations around the Sultanate, the proposed venture in Salalah will be procured through the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) route. Participants will submit proposals based on the Finance Design Built Own Operate Transfer (FDBOOT) format thus, marking the first time in Oman that a biogas project is being procured via this delivery route. According to DISC, the plant will be financed, constructed and operated by the selected bidder for a fixed contractual period, following which it will be transferred to the client in a good condition, or against a pro-rata buy-back arrangement.