Electricity in Oman in 2024
In Oman, the electricity consumption landscape for the year 2024 is overwhelmingly dominated by fossil fuels, which account for nearly 96% of total power generation, with gas making up a notable 93% of this share. Clean, low-carbon sources contribute a modest portion, around 4.2% of the electricity mix. Within the low-carbon category, solar power—a crucial form of sustainable energy—accounts for approximately 4%, making it the predominant low-carbon energy source for the nation. While this reliance on fossil fuels might efficiently provide for current needs, it's important to recognize that such energy sources contribute significantly to climate change and air pollution concerns.
Is Electricity Growing in Oman?
Although the total electricity consumption in Oman has seen a recent decline, with 2024 figures showing a decrease to 8637 kWh per person compared to the 2022 peak of 9327 kWh per person, there is a glimmer of hope regarding low-carbon electricity. Specifically, clean energy generation has experienced slight growth, as the latest figures show an increase to 363 kWh per person, just a marginal rise from the previous year's record. This minor increment suggests a commitment, albeit small, towards adopting cleaner energy sources, but a more substantial shift is necessary to meet environmental goals and enhance energy sustainability for the future.
Suggestions
To substantially increase low-carbon electricity generation, Oman can draw lessons from regions that have successfully integrated nuclear and solar energies. For example, France leverages nuclear energy effectively, with it accounting for an impressive 68% of their electricity generation, demonstrating a reliable and efficient model for energy diversification. In the solar domain, Lebanon shows considerable achievement, with solar contributing 31% to their electricity mix. By investing in both nuclear and solar infrastructure similar to these successful examples, Oman can increase its clean energy output, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Encouraging such advancements not only aids in reducing emissions but also stabilizes energy supply and prices in the long term.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Oman has mainly centered around solar energy with gradual progress over the past decade. From 2013 to 2019, there was virtually no growth in solar power. However, the year 2020 marked a turning point with the introduction of new solar and wind capacities, albeit modest. Since then, solar generation has shown incremental growth much faster than wind, with notable increases in 2021 and 2022. Unfortunately, both solar and wind energy production stagnated in 2023 and 2024. Despite these challenges, the early part of this decade has witnessed the beginning of a potentially transformative period for low-carbon electricity in Oman, setting the groundwork for more robust advancements in the coming years if the current momentum can be regained and expanded upon.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.