AtkinsRéalis partnered with Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals to deliver the “Powering the Future: Oman Electricity Innovation Showcase” on 10 December 2025. The event brought together decision-makers from government, regulators, utilities and industry to review how Oman can respond to rising power demand driven by AI and digital development. The focus was on using a mix of nuclear energy, renewables, grid upgrades and storage to meet demand while supporting Oman’s net zero goal for 2050.
“A secure and sustainable power system is central to our industrial strategy and economic ambitions, which includes recently announced initiatives like the Oman Digital Triangle, a gigawatt scale group of three AI superclusters under the National Digital Infrastructure Roadmap. This collaboration highlights technologies and delivery models that can help Oman diversify its energy mix, enhance grid resilience, and accelerate progress toward our national targets,” said H.E. Mohsin Hamed Saif Al Hadhrami, Undersecretary, Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Oman.
Sessions looked at energy transition options, grid performance under AI-driven demand, and links between electricity supply and economic growth. The agenda covered the role of nuclear power in supporting renewable generation and maintaining grid stability. Experts also spoke on regional interconnections, hydrogen, funding structures and policy design. Attendees joined hands-on simulations to understand grid management with mixed power sources and reviewed international case studies.
“Reliable, clean, baseload power is the anchor for a modern grid, serving both people and a data-driven economy. Nuclear provides the dispatchable, low-carbon capacity that helps Oman scale renewables without sacrificing stability or affordability. The question is how to design the right mix, attract and sequence investments, drive new industry capacity and growth, and build the institutional capability to deliver at pace,” said Todd Smith, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, CANDU Energy Inc.
The discussions reflected wider regional trends. Electricity demand in Oman is increasing by 6.1% each year, while power consumption across the Middle East and North Africa could rise by 50% by 2035. Data centre capacity in the Gulf may triple to 3.3 GW within five years, with market value forecast to reach $9.5 billion by 2030. Speakers stressed the need for reliable and scalable solutions that balance growth, security and emissions reduction. A diversified supply mix was presented as a key part of this approach.
“Our ambition with this showcase was to rise above the noise and illuminate innovative pathways grounded in evidence, strategic choices, and informed trade-offs. Today, cities, industries, and digital ecosystems converge on a singular imperative: abundant, resilient, and clean energy. In partnership with the Ministry, we have articulated a forward-looking roadmap that harmonizes renewables, advanced storage, and grid-forming technologies with proven nuclear solutions, empowering Oman to accelerate near-term growth while steadfastly advancing toward a net-zero future.” said Matthew Tribe, Global Market Lead, Buildings & Places, AtkinsRéalis.
AtkinsRéalis combines international expertise in nuclear power and electricity networks with long-standing regional experience. Its work includes the delivery of CANDU reactor projects and support from a large nuclear workforce. The company plans to continue working with governments and industry partners to support secure energy supply, grid stability and sustainable infrastructure across the Middle East.
