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Abstract

In this paper a study is made of the electricity network of the Sultanate of Oman. The electricity industry of Oman currently relies on almost 100% fossil fuels – with natural gas (97.5%) and diesel oil (2.5%) being the primary sources of electricity generation. This reliance is expected to change significantly in the coming years. Harnessing solar energy (and wind energy) will help to significantly reduce the country’s carbon emission footprint whilst enhancing intra-structural development and ensuring economic stability. Solar energy density levels in Oman are among the highest in the world. The country receives an extensive daily solar radiation of 5,500-6,000 Wh/m2 per day in July and 2,500- 3,000 Wh/m2 per day in January. With careful planning this energy rich resource may now be harnessed. In this context the regulatory environment in Oman has been gradually trans-forming to minimise the political and administrative barriers for the integration of renewable energies into the Omani electricity and water system networks. A number of detailed studies have been conducted in scoping potential developments for solar energy resources across Oman. These include (i) a proposal for wide-scale deployment of domestic roof-top PV solar, (ii) feasibility of large-scale generation plant by solar PV and/or Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), and solar thermal as an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) assist. Wind generation is also feasible in a number of regional zones, with one approved development for a large wind farm in the south of the country. Oman is also connected to its Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) neighbouring countries via the Gulf Super Grid. This is a very important development both for the country and for the wider region. With further developments in regional renewable energy generation, prospects for transmission of clean energy between GCC countries and beyond, will emerge. Oman has a dedicated Ministry for Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA). A target of 10% renewable generation by 2020 is already in place. Creation of enhanced renewable governance structures, provision of renewable tariff support, investment planning, and strategic forward planning, are matters for ongoing review.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21427/D79X56

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