Electricity in Oman in 2024

In 2024, Oman's electricity consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, with almost 96% of its electricity generated from such sources. A staggering 93% comes specifically from natural gas, emphasizing a high dependency on this fossil fuel for energy needs. Low-carbon or clean energy contributions, which include solar power, make up only about 4% of the total electricity consumption. Among these clean sources, solar energy accounts for nearly all of the low-carbon share, with close to 4% of the electricity coming from solar installations. This indicates a crucial need for a shift in energy policy and infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which have adverse effects on the environment, such as contributing to climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Oman can take cues from successful strategies implemented by countries with high shares of clean energy. The United Arab Emirates, for instance, has integrated nuclear energy, achieving a low-carbon electricity share of about 20%. Countries like Lebanon and Chile have made significant progress in solar energy, incorporating it into 31% and 22% of their electricity generation, respectively. Oman's desert climate and high solar irradiance potential position it advantageously for solar power expansion. Additionally, exploring the possibility of integrating nuclear energy might prove beneficial, drawing from the experiences of France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy constitutes more than half of their electricity, showcasing a reliable and sustainable method to achieve long-term, low-carbon energy goals.

History

Historically, Oman's journey in low-carbon electricity generation has been slow but gradually evolving in recent years. From 2013 to 2018, there was no notable increase in solar energy production, maintaining a flat growth curve. Significant changes began in 2020 with a minor increase of 0.2 TWh in solar electricity, complemented by a small introduction of wind energy at 0.1 TWh. In 2021 and 2022, Oman's solar power production saw a momentum of growth, adding 0.5 TWh and 0.9 TWh, respectively. However, since 2023, there has been a plateau, with no additional increases in either solar or wind energy in 2024. This stagnation underscores the need for renewed focus and investment in clean energy technologies, potentially drawing from international best practices in expanding sustainable electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources