Muscat: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals is accelerating a range of initiatives aimed at boosting energy production while reducing carbon emissions, reinforcing the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to building a low-carbon economy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The ministry is overseeing major energy transition projects, developing supportive policies and regulations, and attracting investment in sustainable ventures aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
Dr. Saleh bin Ali Al Anbouri, Director General of Exploration and Production at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals , said Oman is promoting the use of advanced technologies to improve oil recovery while minimising environmental impact.
Among the key initiatives is Petroleum Development Oman’s pilot project at the Zalima field, which uses carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery.
He described the project as a model for balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability, as it enables the extraction of oil trapped in microscopic rock formations while advancing carbon capture, utilisation and storage technologies and reducing emissions.
The ministry is also supporting renewable energy investments through favorable regulatory frameworks.
Two major wind energy projects, Wind 1 and Wind 2, with a combined capacity of 200 megawatts, have reached around 42 percent completion and are expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter of this year in Concession Area 6. The projects are projected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 740,000 tonnes annually.
In addition, a 100-megawatt solar photovoltaic project in northern Concession Area 6 is 51 percent complete and is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2026, reducing emissions by more than 220,000 tonnes each year.
Sustainable water management remains another priority. The Nimr Wetland Project, which uses reed-bed technology for natural water treatment, processes 175,000 cubic metres of water daily, reduces emissions by 113,000 tonnes annually and provides a habitat for more than 140 species of wildlife.
Similarly, the Rima water treatment plant, operational since 2022, treats around 40,000 cubic metres of water per day using biological processes, saving up to 10 megawatts of energy and cutting emissions by 48,000 tonnes annually.
Among Oman’s flagship renewable energy projects, the Amin Solar Power Plant, operational since 2020 with a capacity of 100 megawatts, has reduced emissions by more than 1.1 million tonnes to date.
The Miraah solar steam project continues to support enhanced oil recovery using clean energy, while the Dhia solar initiative in Al Jazir promotes renewable energy adoption in public buildings and community awareness.
The ministry noted that Petroleum Development Oman aims to source 30 percent of the energy used in its operations from renewable resources by 2026.
Under Oman’s National Net Zero Strategy 2050, the country aims to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 33 percent by 2035 compared with 2024 levels. Of this target, 7 percent represents unconditional commitments, while 26 percent depends on financing, technology transfer and international support.
The oil and gas sector has set an ambitious goal of reducing emissions by up to 48 percent by 2035, including 10 percent through committed measures and 38 percent through conditional actions.
Oman is also intensifying efforts to eliminate routine gas flaring by recovering and utilising associated gas instead of burning it.
Operating companies have already achieved a 50 percent reduction in routine flaring rates at several sites through investments in gas recovery infrastructure and power generation projects, supporting the country's commitment to ending routine flaring by 2030.
To further strengthen climate action, Oman has adopted a regulatory framework for carbon markets that will facilitate the trading of carbon credits, encourage emissions-reduction projects, improve market transparency and attract new investment opportunities.
The ministry said these initiatives demonstrate Oman’s balanced approach to developing its oil and gas sector while expanding green energy solutions, positioning the Sultanate as a regional leader in sustainability and low-carbon development.
