Oman to curb greenhouse gas emissions

Muscat: Oman intends to harvest more energy from renewable sources to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate the impact of climate change.

A senior official at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) exclusively told the Times of Oman that many of the plans to harness renewable energy are already in motion, as part of the objectives of Vision 2040.

“We will reach these targeted percentages of emissions in keeping with the vision,” he said.

“The mechanisms taken by us to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions depend on diversifying energy sources, especially renewable energy sources, pursuing an energy efficiency policy, and the use of clean technologies. We also expect more electricity to be produced from renewable sources of energy.”

The CAA’s plans for more focus towards clean energy answers the queries put forth at the 26th Climate Conference in Glasgow (COP26), organised under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The organisation also reviewed the updated biennial report on the current state of greenhouse gases, as well as mitigation mechanisms in Oman.

“While we have implemented many practices, we expect output from these initiatives to be gradually lifted over the coming years, so their contribution matches the requirements of Vision 2040,” he said.

“However, there are challenges we face in rolling out these economic plans, the most concerning of which is the economic situation, due to the volatility of oil prices and access to international funding sources,” added the official.

“However, it is important that we press ahead with them, as they are part of the objections of Oman Vision 2040 that relate to environmental sustainability and the sustainability of natural resources.”

Various government and private stakeholders are expected to play a role in the implementation of these plans to pivot to renewable sources.

“All of these plans will be implemented in accordance with the approved policies and in cooperation with all government agencies as well as the relevant private sector companies, especially those concerned with the energy and industry sectors,” explained the CAA official.

“It is expected that new projects in the field of renewable energy and the trend towards a green economy will create new job opportunities, in addition to their contribution to increasing the gross domestic product and diversifying and sustaining the economy,” he went on to add.