Electric Generation
Electric generation refers to the production of electrical energy through power plants (any plant consisting of one or more units for generating electrical energy, including the land, buildings, and facilities used for this purpose) that operate on any of the traditional systems. These plants provide the electrical system with auxiliary services, which are electricity services that enhance the stability and reliability of the system, including frequency regulation, spinning reserve, grid capacity control, and the ability to restart in the event of a total shutdown. These plants may be owned by either a government or private licensee, who is responsible for owning, operating, and maintaining these plants.
There are eight licensed companies by the Authority to generate electricity from traditional energy sources (gas, steam, diesel, oil shale), with the total electrical capacity of the country's grid reaching about 4429 MW by the end of 2022, compared to 3950 MW in 2021, representing a 12.1% increase. This helps the electricity sector meet the expected growth rates in electricity demand. The Authority, through its regulatory and supervisory role, oversees and organizes electricity generation plants from various sources and the process of connecting to the transmission grid.
Licenses
The Authority has granted licenses to companies to generate electricity using traditional energy sources, with the total number of licenses being eight. These licenses are:
1
License for Central Electricity Generation Company (CEGCO): Electricity is generated through traditional energy source technologies, with one unit, the Aqaba Thermal Power Station (steam), with a capacity of 363 MW, and an additional unit using water technology consisting of two hydro turbines with a capacity of 2.3 MW.
2
License for Samra Electric Power Generation Company: Electricity is generated through traditional energy source technologies, with gas-fired units and a total capacity of 1245 MW, representing about 42.4% of the Kingdom’s load. The units are:
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- Phase 1: 300 MW
- Phase 2: 300 MW
- Phase 3: 429 MW
- Phase 4: 216 MW
3
License for East Amman Station - Manakher (AES IPP1): Electricity is generated through traditional energy source technologies (gas and steam), with a capacity of 369 MW.
4
License for Kepco Korea - Qatrana (IPP2):Electricity is generated through traditional energy source technologies with gas and steam units and a capacity of 360 MW.
5
License for Oman Asia (IPP3):Electricity is generated through traditional energy source technologies (diesel fuel) with a capacity of 573 MW, distributed over three phases:
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- Phase 1: 241 MW
- Phase 2: 211 MW
- Phase 3: 121 MW
6
License for AES Levant (IPP4):Electricity is generated through traditional energy source technologies (diesel fuel), with a capacity of 241 MW.
7
License for Zarqa Electricity Generation Company: Electricity is generated through traditional energy source technologies with mixed units (gas and steam), with a capacity of 485 MW.
8
License for Attarat Power Company:Electricity is generated through traditional energy source technologies (direct combustion of oil shale), with a capacity of 470 MW.
Oversight and Inspection
The Authority carries out inspection programs for all activities subject to regulation to ensure compliance with the law, applicable regulations, and any other conditions specified in the licensing requirements. The goals include:
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Ensuring compliance with the Electricity Law, regulations, and the granted license
Ensuring that facilities, equipment, and work performance meet all applicable requirements.
Identifying lessons learned in the energy sector and applying them as required.
Identifying violations and shortcomings and correcting or justifying them without delay.
In case of any violations or failure to meet applicable requirements, the Authority has the authority to take enforcement actions against the licensee, such as imposing fines.