Oman's Offshore Wind Potential Featured In Latest GWEC Report
A recent report by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) has identified Oman as one of the promising countries in the Middle East and North Africa (ENA) region for energy development. The report, titled 'Global Offshore Wind Report 2024’, highlights both onshore and offshore wind resources in Oman.
Despite ambitious commitments by M countries to shift away from fossil fuels, offshore wind development remains largely untapped. The Brussels-based organisation notes that the region's focus has often been on solar energy due to favourable weather conditions.
The GWEC report emphasises that countries like Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, and Oman have significant wind potential. This includes both onshore and offshore locations. However, larger investments required for offshore wind have limited its development in the region.
Oman has outlined plans to utilise its wind resources, focusing entirely on onshore projects for now. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to meet domestic power needs alongside solar energy development. The country aims to install around 6,000 wind turbines and 40 million solar panels by 2030 to produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually.
Future Phases
Omani authorities acknowledge the significant potential of offshore wind but stress that this resource will likely be tapped in future phases of green energy development. Currently, offshore wind capacity in the Middle East is minimal compared to its potential of around 1,400 GW.
The GWEC notes that the wind industry is still emerging in the Middle East, with only a few leading countries like Morocco and Egypt. The development of offshore wind depends heavily on investment environments, national regulations, permitting procedures, and the availability of a skilled workforce.
Global Developments
Globally, 10.8 GW of new offshore wind capacity was added last year, bringing total global capacity to 75.2 GW by the end of 2023. This represents a 24 per cent increase over the previous year, making it the second-highest year in offshore wind history.
Rebecca Williams, GWEC's Chief Strategy Officer, highlighted the importance of focusing efforts on bringing online projects scheduled for completion by 2030. She stated: "This global industry must now 'chart a course’ for the growth that lies ahead ... It is imperative that our efforts are laser-focused on bringing online the swathe of projects scheduled to be in the water by 2030, while simultaneously laying down a strong framework for the vast bulk of offshore wind which will be deployed in the 2030s."
The report aims to support industry and policymakers in achieving these goals. On a global scale, there are just seven years left to reach the target of 380 GWs of offshore wind needed to stay on a 1.5°C trajectory.
The Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to harnessing its wind resources reflects a broader trend in the MENA region towards renewable energy. While current efforts focus on onshore projects, future phases may see significant developments in offshore wind capacity.
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