Interview: Ahmed bin Salim Al Abri
How are Oman’s national sustainability priorities influencing the development of electricity generation and water desalination projects?
AHMED BIN SALIM AL ABRI: Oman has been focused on sustainability and the development of renewable energy since 2017, and the sultanate has set clear goals for the electricity sector. Our first utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) project introduced renewables into the grid in 2021. It was a significant milestone, as prices were the lowest globally at that time, encouraging further investment in renewables.
In line with Oman Vision 2040, the target is 30% renewable energy by 2030 and almost 40% by 2040. The government endorsed these targets to balance capacity expansion with environmental goals. For instance, 1000 MW of solar PV was added to the grid in early 2025, and there is an ongoing push for more projects, including wind energy. Furthermore, the government has set a net-zero target for 2050, signalling a firm commitment to decarbonising the electricity sector, while also ensuring the availability of electricity at competitive prices.
What can be done to ensure the electricity and water sectors support economic diversification?
AL ABRI: Projects developed by the private sector are actively contributing to the economy. Clear forecasts for electricity demand and schedules for upcoming projects help to boost investor confidence in the sultanate’s infrastructure. These initiatives support sector growth and enable other industries to thrive by ensuring a reliable power supply.
Furthermore, local procurement processes allocate risks appropriately, attracting bidders and investors. This, in turn, promotes job creation and the development of local supply chains. As we free up gas resources by expanding renewable energy, we can redirect those resources to other industries, supporting economic diversification and job creation.
In which ways can renewable energy sources be better integrated into Oman’s power generation and water desalination sectors?
AL ABRI: Oman has abundant solar resources in the north, and wind in its central and southern regions. We are taking steps to harness these by conducting energy mix studies, and expanding solar and wind projects across the country. For example, we are developing major solar projects in northern Oman and wind projects in the Dhofar Governorate, endeavours supported by a national grid interconnection that links the sultanate’s north and south.
Storage technologies – such as batteries and pumped hydro – are vital to ensuring that energy from these renewable sources is available when needed, especially at night or when solar power is not being generated. By expanding these undertakings and integrating storage solutions, renewables can become a more reliable and sustainable component of the sultanate’s energy mix.
Where can Oman strengthen its regulatory and physical infrastructure to integrate privately produced renewable energy into the national grid?
AL ABRI: Oman has begun to liberalise the market, allowing privately produced renewable energy to be supplied directly to industrial projects. This is part of a broader effort to support the growth of renewables by providing regulatory updates and securing land for projects. Introducing rooftop solar systems for commercial and residential buildings was an initial step. Now, we are moving towards allowing private companies to sell directly to end customers.
The regulatory framework is being reviewed regularly to remove barriers and facilitate more private sector involvement. The government also supports industrial projects by ensuring they can access renewable energy, further integrating privately produced renewables into the national grid.
