Chinese photovoltaic giant JA Solar is planning an investment to construct a manufacturing facility in Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone, with an annual production capacity of 6 gigawatts (GW) of solar cells and 3 GW of modules, according to sources. This project marks a further expansion of Chinese enterprises into the Middle East’s renewable energy sector and supports Oman’s energy diversification strategy.
As reported by MEED on May 8, 2025, JA Solar OM will establish a large-scale solar cell and module production plant in Sohar Port and Freezone, with expected annual capacities of 6 GW for solar cells and 3 GW for solar modules. The total investment for the project amounts to $565 million, and upon completion, it is set to become one of the key photovoltaic manufacturing bases in the Middle East. Sohar Port and Freezone, a core area for Oman’s economic diversification, has attracted significant international investment in recent years, particularly in the renewable energy and industrial manufacturing sectors.
JA Solar, one of China’s leading photovoltaic enterprises, has been actively expanding its overseas markets in recent years. Chinese photovoltaic companies dominate the global supply chain, with data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) in 2022 showing that China accounts for nearly 95% of global polysilicon, ingot, and wafer production. JA Solar’s investment in Oman is not only part of its globalization strategy but also reflects Chinese enterprises’ optimism about the Middle East’s renewable energy market. Reuters noted that Chinese photovoltaic companies are expanding their influence globally through new factory constructions and acquisitions, particularly in regions with strong policy support, such as the United States and the Middle East.
Oman, as one of the Gulf states, is accelerating its energy diversification strategy to reduce reliance on oil and natural gas. According to MEED, as early as 2018, Sohar Port and Freezone planned to develop up to 1 GW of solar power generation capacity to support the electricity needs of enterprises within the port and freezone. JA Solar’s factory project aligns closely with Oman’s energy transition goals and is expected to provide clean energy for local industries while creating job opportunities. Additionally, Sohar Port’s strategic location and the freezone’s tax incentives make it a popular destination for international enterprise investments.
