Dynamics of a Smarter Grid Operation in the Current Power Situation of Oman

Electricity supply in Oman is very stable, however, power generation from gas turbines and fossil fuels, which are not environmentally friendly, contribute over ninety percent to the present power grid. Due to rapid development, the current power state of Oman is been over stretched. This is as a result of increased power demand, considering the size of the electricity network and the control strategies employed at different levels of the power system. Therefore, in order to keep pace with the recent development, it is paramount to integrate the current power grid of the country with smart grid technologies. Some of the benefits of employing smart grid technologies are; providing more reliable power, utilizing more efficient renewable power, employing a mix of energy sources, use of smart devices, mitigating carbon footprint, enabling the roadmap for electric vehicles, availing smart job opportunities, saving of energy via reduced consumption programs, improved customer services, accurate billings, detection of frauds and technical losses, increased competition, and levelling of the demand curve or peak reduction. This paper presents the dynamics of making the power grid of Oman smarter, based on the current power situation in the country. The paper addresses the penetration of smart grid technologies with the national power grid and also present an extensive review of power situation of Oman power system. Efforts were made to discuss the possible locations of wind and solar energy potentials, in the country, since they are the two commonly used and readily available renewable energy sources. There is no doubt that smart grid technologies like information and communication technology, data management, energy sales and smart metering strategies, would play a huge role in making the power grid smarter. In addition, some dynamic behavior of the power grid was analyzed considering the penetration of solar and wind energy, in the current power grid of Oman.