By: PV tech

Italian solar manufacturing company Ecoprogetti has installed a new 400MW solar module production facility in Oman, to be operated by the local firm American Advanced Clean Energy (AACE). Located in the Salalah Free Zone, the facility will produce advanced TOPCon and heterojunction technology (HJT) modules.

This is Ecoprogetti's second plant in Oman, following a previously installed 50MW TOPCon line for another local manufacturer. With these installations, Ecoprogetti now operates the most module production lines within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The company's CEO, Laura Sartore, stated that the projects support the growth of Oman's local photovoltaic value chain and its sustainable energy vision.

The new facility increases AACE's total module manufacturing capacity to 600MW, with plans to add a further 800MW in the future. While the company confirmed its modules meet international certification standards, it did not specify their intended use. However, Ecoprogetti highlighted that Oman's free trade agreement with the U.S. could grant the modules "preferential access" to the American market.

This development is noted against the backdrop of a new wave of U.S. protectionist trade policies under President Donald Trump's second term, which have increased tariffs and created uncertainty for solar imports. Analysts suggest these policies are significantly raising costs for U.S. solar developers, making the securing of reliable, non-Chinese module supplies more vital for the country's energy transition.