The current state of electricity consumption in Oman reflects a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with more than 95% of the electricity being generated from such sources. Gas makes up the vast majority at just over 93%, while clean energy sources account for a small portion. Specifically, solar energy contributes almost 4%, and the total for low-carbon energy types is a little over 4%. This distribution suggests a significant dependency on fossil fuels, which highlights the need for a transition to a more environmentally sustainable electricity system that incorporates greater shares of low-carbon energy.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Oman?

When looking at the growth of electricity consumption in Oman, the numbers indicate a decline. The latest figure for 2024 stands at 8,637 kWh per person, a decrease of 691 kWh from the 2022 record of 9,327 kWh per person. Despite this decline in total electricity consumption, it's encouraging to note a slight increase in low-carbon electricity generation on a per-person basis, rising by 2 kWh from 360 in 2023 to 363 in 2024. This small yet positive change underscores the potential for further development in clean energy generation, aligning the country's energy goals with global sustainability targets.

Suggestions

Oman can take inspiration from successful regions worldwide that have significantly increased their clean energy generation. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for 66-67% of their electricity, showcase the potential of nuclear power in achieving low-carbon energy goals. Furthermore, solar power presents a remarkable opportunity for Oman, given its geographical location with ample sunlight. Learning from states like Nevada and California, with solar power generating more than 30%, Oman can further develop its solar capabilities to reduce fossil fuel dependence significantly. Embracing both nuclear and solar energy could revolutionize Oman's electricity framework, presenting a sustainable path forward.

History

Oman's history of low-carbon electricity saw modest beginnings in the early 2010s with no significant growth in clean energy until 2020, when solar energy saw its first increase of 0.2 TWh. This was accompanied by a small contribution from wind energy. The momentum for solar energy picked up more prominently in 2021 and 2022, with noteworthy increments of 0.5 and 0.9 TWh, respectively. However, since 2023, the progress in low-carbon energy growth seems to have stagnated, with no additional progress in 2024. This stagnation in recent years signals a pressing need for a more aggressive and focused approach to expanding clean electricity generation, especially from solar and possibly nuclear to ensure a sustainable energy future for Oman.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade