Oman’s Promising Wave Energy Potential: What It Means for Renewable Investment Opportunities
MUSCAT: A recent study by a collaborative team of Omani researchers has revealed significant wave energy potential along the southeastern coastline of Oman.
The investigation assessed wave conditions at three sites on the eastern seaboard, identifying Masirah and the Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands as prime candidates for wave energy development. In contrast, Muscat exhibited more moderate potential.
If proven economically viable, wave energy could serve as a complementary resource to solar and wind energy, which are central to Oman’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. These findings also attract the attention of ocean energy developers looking for investment opportunities in Omani waters.
Worldwide, wave energy is seen as a vast but largely untapped resource, with a theoretical capability exceeding 29,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually—nearly matching current global electricity demand. Economically recoverable wave energy is estimated at about 4,000 TWh per year, sufficient to fulfill approximately 10-15% of the world’s electricity needs. Its advantages include predictability, consistency, and a higher energy density compared to solar and wind.
This investigation adds to an expanding body of research into Oman’s wave energy potential. The three-year project involved Abdullah al Badi from Sultan Qaboos University, Jamal al Hinai from the Civil Aviation Authority, Abdulmajeed al Wahaibi from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences, and Sultan al Yahyai from Code Academy.
The research team noted, “Spatial analysis indicates a distinct increase in wave power along the southeastern coast, moving towards the open Indian Ocean where stronger wind conditions are prevalent. Monthly assessments reveal that mean wave power reaches its peak during the summer months (June to August), coinciding with the southwest Indian monsoon season, which notably enhances wave activity along the southern coastline.”
The findings revealed that most of the annual wave energy is generated by significant wave heights ranging from 1 to 4 meters, indicating that systems designed for this region should be tailored for that height range. This research provides critical insights into the feasibility of wave energy projects in Oman, pinpointing the most promising locations and optimal seasons for energy extraction.
Among the three sites evaluated, the Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands demonstrated the highest potential, with peak wave power reaching 64.5 kW/m during summer. Masirah also showed considerable seasonal potential, while Muscat revealed the most stable wave conditions in terms of variability, although with lower overall energy output.
The researchers concluded, “Oman’s southern coastline, particularly near Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands and Masirah, offers significant opportunities for wave energy development, particularly as a seasonal energy source to help meet increasing demand during the summer months.”
They emphasized, “These findings will guide future strategic planning, site selection, and system design for wave energy projects in the region. Additional research is advised to explore the techno-economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and long-term variability related to climate change scenarios.”
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The recent study highlighting Oman’s wave energy potential presents a significant opportunity for businesses looking to diversify energy portfolios, particularly in the renewable sector. As wave energy offers predictability and higher energy density, smart investors should consider the prospect of collaborative ventures with ocean energy developers to capitalize on this emerging market. However, they must also evaluate the risks related to environmental impact assessments and the long-term viability of proposed projects.
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