Oman explores future-ready electricity solutions

AtkinsRéalis, a leading global engineering and nuclear services company, in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals, hosted the “Powering the Future: Oman Electricity Innovation Showcase” on December 10, 2025

The event convened senior leaders from government, utilities, regulators, and the private sector to explore strategies for meeting Oman’s rapidly growing electricity demand driven by AI-enabled economic development. Discussions focused on a balanced energy mix incorporating nuclear power, renewables, AI-ready grids, and storage solutions, all aligned with the nation’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

H.E. Mohsin Hamed Saif Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, commented, “A secure and sustainable power system is central to our industrial strategy and economic ambitions, which includes recently announced initiatives like the Oman Digital Triangle, a gigawatt scale group of three AI superclusters under the National Digital Infrastructure Roadmap. This collaboration highlights technologies and delivery models that can help Oman diversify its energy mix, enhance grid resilience, and accelerate progress toward our national targets.”

The showcase featured sessions on decarbonisation pathways, grid resilience for AI-intensive economies, economic growth opportunities, and the complementary role of reliable nuclear energy alongside intermittent renewables. Lightning talks highlighted the importance of regional grid interconnections, hydrogen, financing, and policy frameworks. Participants engaged in interactive simulations to explore managing a diverse electricity supply mix and examined global case studies on nuclear project delivery and refurbishment.

Todd Smith, vice-president of marketing and business development at CANDU Energy Inc., added, “Reliable, clean, baseload power is the anchor for a modern grid, serving both people and a data-driven economy. Nuclear provides the dispatchable, low-carbon capacity that helps Oman scale renewables without sacrificing stability or affordability. The question is how to design the right mix, attract and sequence investments, drive new industry capacity and growth, and build the institutional capability to deliver at pace.”

The event was timely as Oman’s electricity demand grows at 6.1% annually, with MENA-wide consumption projected to increase by 50% by 2035. Data centre expansion, with installed capacity potentially tripling to 3.3 GW in the next five years and market growth expected to reach US$9.5bn by 2030, underscores the need for scalable, practical solutions to ensure energy security, economic competitiveness, and climate resilience.

Matthew Tribe, global market lead, buildings & places at AtkinsRéalis, said, “Our ambition with this showcase was to rise above the noise and illuminate innovative pathways grounded in evidence, strategic choices, and informed trade-offs. Today, cities, industries, and digital ecosystems converge on a singular imperative: abundant, resilient, and clean energy. In partnership with the Ministry, we have articulated a forward-looking roadmap that harmonises renewables, advanced storage, and grid-forming technologies with proven nuclear solutions, empowering Oman to accelerate near-term growth while steadfastly advancing toward a net-zero future.”

AtkinsRéalis combines extensive global nuclear and grid design expertise with a strong regional presence, drawing on decades of experience delivering CANDU reactors and managing a 7,000-person nuclear workforce. CANDU technology provides Oman and the broader region with a proven pathway to secure, low-carbon baseload power, supporting both grid stability and large-scale renewable integration. AtkinsRéalis remains committed to partnering with governments and industry stakeholders across the Middle East to identify opportunities and co-develop solutions that promote sustainable growth and deliver resilient, future-ready energy and infrastructure systems.