EDF Discussed 2-Gigawatt Pumped Hydro Project for Oman
The proposed facility would leverage existing dam infrastructure to provide 17.9 gigawatt-hours of long-duration energy storage.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Energy
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EDF has held technical discussions with an Omani delegation regarding the proposed 2-gigawatt Jabal Abyadh pumped hydro storage facility. The project is currently in the planning stage and would utilize the existing Wadi Dayqah Dam reservoir to support grid stability.
Why it matters
As Oman integrates more solar generation, this facility aims to provide long-duration storage and grid reliability through established hydro technology. The project is designed to help meet decarbonization goals by balancing intermittent renewable energy.
The Jabal Abyadh facility features a 940-metre gross hydraulic head, utilizing a planned upper reservoir at 1,130 metres above sea level. This configuration is expected to deliver 2 gigawatts of power for nearly nine hours of continuous output.
The players
EDF Power Solutions
A division of the French state-owned electric utility that specializes in engineering, consulting, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
ONEIC-Takhzeen
An Omani entity focused on energy infrastructure and power sector project development.
Green Universe Enterprise
A consortium partner engaged in the development of the Jabal Abyadh energy storage project.
The details
Pumped hydro storage uses reversible pump-turbines to manage energy flows between two reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of surplus energy, electricity powers pumps to move water into an upper reservoir; when demand peaks, that water is released to drive turbines and generate power. The proposed Oman project plans to interface with the 100-million-cubic-metre Wadi Dayqah Dam as the lower reservoir.
Timeline
October 2026: EDF hosted the Omani delegation for technical project discussions.
The Tech Race
The Jabal Abyadh project uses the Grand'Maison pumped hydro storage facility as a technical performance benchmark for its 2-gigawatt design. The facility follows a design pattern established by existing large-scale mountain hydro installations to meet specific regional storage duration requirements.
This project is currently in the planning stage, with no immediate impact on grid pricing or availability for residents. Once developed, the facility would provide a mechanism to balance the local grid during high-demand periods by utilizing energy stored from solar generation.
The takeaway
The project represents a significant effort to scale long-duration storage capacity by tapping into regional topography. Observers should track upcoming official project filings or procurement announcements to determine the timeline for construction and integration.
Further reading
For broader context on current shifts in power storage, see the latest reports in Energy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oman Observer.
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