Electricity in Oman in 2023/2024

As of the period from May 2023 to April 2024, Oman’s electricity consumption is entirely dependent on fossil fuels, specifically gas, which accounts for 100% of its electricity generation. This implies that every kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed by residential, commercial, and industrial sectors in Oman is derived from fossil fuels. Unfortunately, this means that more than half of the electricity is sourced from high carbon-emission activities, contributing to climate change and air pollution, with close to none of the electricity coming from low-carbon or clean energy sources like solar, wind, or nuclear, which are pivotal to reducing carbon footprints and achieving energy sustainability.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Oman can learn from the success stories of other countries. Nations like France and Slovakia have effectively harnessed their potential for nuclear energy, with more than 60% of their electricity derived from nuclear reactors. This affirms nuclear's viability as a major source of clean electricity. On the other hand, Denmark has tapped into its wind power capacity, generating close to 60% of its electricity from wind energy. For countries geographically and climatically different from Oman, such as Denmark, the potential of wind energy shows the diverse routes available in clean energy transitions. Oman should also consider its regional neighbor, the United Arab Emirates, which has begun to incorporate nuclear energy into its mix with 20% of its electricity coming from this source. By investing in nuclear and solar technologies, Oman can follow in the footsteps of these countries.

History

Historically, Oman's journey towards low-carbon electricity has been extremely slow. Data from 2013 to 2023 show an insignificant start with solar energy, beginning at zero generation for several years. It wasn't until 2020 that Oman made a slight advancement with an increase of 0.2 TWh in solar energy generation, which further declined in consecutive years. The momentum was not sustained, as the negligible improvement in 2021 was followed by stagnation in 2022 and 2023. This history starkly contrasts with the strides made by other nations and highlights an urgent need for Oman to invigorate its commitment to developing sustainable electricity through robust policies and investments in nuclear and solar energy. Moving forward, intensifying focus on low-carbon solutions is crucial for Oman to diversify its electricity sources and pave the way for a sustainable future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources