Seminar highlights energy transition challenges in Oman

At a seminar entitled “Energy Transition in the Sultanate of Oman: From Gas to Renewable Energy”, the Oman Economic Association reviewed the challenges of shifting from gas to renewable energy.

The seminar discussed how to address these challenges, and the role of the Energy Transition Fund in financing projects and overcoming financial obstacles.

It highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating projects, mechanisms to manage fluctuations in solar and wind power production and their impact on grid stability, as well as plans to adopt energy storage technologies as a solution, and new technologies to reduce operational costs.

The seminar also discussed opportunities for in-country value in renewable energy projects, the importance of localising industries linked to renewable energy such as solar panels and wind turbines, and the commercial use of available gas resources.

Speakers at the seminar, held under the patronage of Faisal Alrawas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted major renewable energy projects such as the Manah and Ibri solar power plants and the Dhofar wind power plant. They outlined their production capacity, investment volume, and significance within the national energy mix, as well as future planned projects in solar and wind energy.

​Dr Khalid bin Said Alamri, Chairman of the Oman Economic Association, said the energy sector is the backbone of the economy. He noted that reliance on natural gas accounts for about 60% of total production, which poses several challenges such as price fluctuations, rising consumption, and the need to ensure environmental sustainability.

He added that raising the share of renewable energy to 30% of the total energy mix by 2030 is a national commitment that reflects the importance of environmental sustainability and long-term energy security.

The seminar also addressed the current energy mix and the role of gas in electricity generation compared to renewable sources, as well as Oman’s energy transition targets, particularly achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.