Oman Showcases AI-Ready Energy Innovation & Nuclear Integration

AtkinsRéalis, a global leader in engineering services and nuclear solutions, in collaboration with Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals, hosted the “Powering the Future: Oman Electricity Innovation Showcase” on 10 December 2025. The event brought together senior government officials, utility operators, regulators, and industry leaders to explore strategies for meeting Oman’s rapidly growing electricity demand—driven by AI-led economic development—through a balanced and sustainable energy mix.

The showcase emphasized integrating nuclear, renewables, AI-ready grids, and storage technologies to align with Oman’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. H.E. Mohsin Hamed Saif Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, highlighted the importance of secure and sustainable power systems as central to Oman’s industrial strategy, referencing initiatives like the Oman Digital Triangle, a gigawatt-scale cluster of AI superclusters under the National Digital Infrastructure Roadmap.

Sessions covered decarbonization pathways, grid resilience for AI-intensive economies, and the complementary role of nuclear alongside intermittent renewables. Expert lightning talks focused on regional grid interconnections, hydrogen, finance, and renewables, while panel discussions examined integration, policy frameworks, and investment strategies. Delegates also engaged in interactive simulations to manage grid operations with diverse energy sources, learning from global nuclear delivery and refurbishment case studies.

Todd Smith, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at CANDU Energy Inc., emphasized: “Reliable, clean baseload power anchors a modern grid. Nuclear provides low-carbon, dispatchable capacity that enables Oman to scale renewables without compromising stability or affordability. Strategic planning and the right energy mix are key to unlocking industrial growth and investment.”

The showcase comes at a pivotal time as Oman’s electricity demand grows at 6.1% annually, while MENA-wide consumption is projected to rise 50% by 2035. With data centre capacity in the Gulf expected to triple to 3.3 GW in five years and the market projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2030, the discussions emphasized practical, scalable solutions for energy security, economic competitiveness, and climate resilience.

Matthew Tribe, Global Market Lead, Buildings & Places, AtkinsRéalis, added: “Our goal was to illuminate evidence-based pathways that harmonize renewables, storage, grid-forming technologies, and proven nuclear solutions—empowering Oman to drive near-term growth while advancing toward a net-zero future.”

AtkinsRéalis brings decades of nuclear and grid design expertise, including CANDU reactor delivery and a 7,000-strong nuclear workforce. The company is committed to partnering with governments and industry across the Middle East to co-develop sustainable, resilient, and future-ready energy solutions for communities and businesses.