Electricity in Oman in 2023/2024

Oman's current state of electricity consumption relies entirely on fossil fuels. For the recent period from May 2023 to April 2024, 100% of Oman's electricity has been generated from gas, a fossil energy source. This complete dependence on gas means that Oman's electricity sector lacks any significant contribution from low-carbon or clean energy sources. Consequently, there is no diversification in the energy mix, and the country faces considerable challenges related to climate change and air pollution due to its reliance on fossil fuels.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Oman can look to the examples set by other countries that have successfully integrated clean energy into their electricity grids. By investing in nuclear and wind energy, Oman could diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its carbon footprint. For instance, France, Slovakia, and Ukraine generate more than half of their electricity through nuclear power, demonstrating the potential for extensive use of this clean energy source. Denmark, generating almost two-thirds of its electricity from wind, shows the viability of exploiting wind energy. Countries with similar geography or climate, like the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, have also started integrating low-carbon options such as nuclear and solar, respectively, achieving 20% and 15% of their electricity from these sources.

History

Historically, Oman has had limited progress in developing low-carbon electricity. From 2013 to 2019, there was no recorded solar electricity generation. A small but notable change occurred in 2020 with an addition of 0.2 TWh of solar power, followed by a minor increase of 0.1 TWh in 2021. However, this progress halted, with no further additions in solar power in 2022 and 2023. To achieve substantial low-carbon electricity integration, Oman needs to consider stronger policies and investments towards not just solar, but also nuclear and wind technologies, learning from the robust advancements seen in other countries.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources