MUSCAT: The fifth Oman Electricity and Energy Conference opened on Monday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together about 4,200 participants from 47 countries to discuss energy transition, supply security and grid resilience.
The three-day event features more than 80 expert speakers and industry leaders. It is hosted by Nama Electricity Distribution Company in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
Mohsin bin Hamad al Hadhrami, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, presided over the opening ceremony.
The programme covers six areas: electricity markets; sustainable energy and storage; energy systems and grid solutions; distribution systems; energy efficiency; and asset management and performance optimisation.
Al Hadhrami said Oman’s electricity strategy centres on diversifying generation sources, expanding transmission and distribution networks, and strengthening GCC electricity interconnection to support energy security, economic growth and investment.
Electricity generation reached about 50.97 terawatt-hours in 2025, up 3.7 per cent, while output increased 5.7 per cent in the first half of 2026, he said.
Oman aims to increase renewable energy’s share from about 9 per cent in 2025 to between 30 and 40 per cent by 2030, and between 60 and 70 per cent by 2040.
Eng Alaa bin Hassan bin Moosa, Chief Executive Officer of Nama Electricity Distribution Company, said Oman Vision 2040 provides a framework for diversifying energy sources, expanding renewables, improving efficiency and developing grid infrastructure.
He said progress was evident in solar and wind projects, network development, stronger interconnection and storage capabilities.
An opening executive panel examined electricity security, lessons from recent geopolitical shocks and ways to balance resilience, affordability and emissions reduction.
The first technical session covered regulatory changes in Oman’s electricity market, International Renewable Energy Certificates, financing the energy transition and resilience as a commodity in energy systems.
A second session examined the unified national grid, including connections between northern and southern Oman, dynamic line rating to increase capacity, digital substation protection and protection systems for feeders connected to renewable energy sources.
An accompanying exhibition features 75 local and international companies showcasing technologies for electricity generation, transmission, distribution and smart grids.
Four agreements were signed between Siemens and public and private universities to train 500 students in electricity, energy and grid protection.
The event also marked the launch of The Journey of Electricity from the Power Plant to the Home by Dr Ali bin Hamad al Ghafri, aimed at simplifying electricity concepts and improving public awareness. — ONA
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