Political economy of renewable energy transition in rentier states: The case of Oman

Abstract

Despite the abundance of renewable resources, renewable energy accounts for less than 1% of the total installed power capacity in oil-producing Gulf Arab states. While the political–economic structures of oil-producing Gulf Arab states are thought to have played a role in determining these states' remarkably low uptake of renewable energy, these structures remain understudied. With a focus on Oman, we assess how political–economic structures have influenced its adoption of renewable energy. We implement an analytical framework that integrates insights from energy transition studies and the political–economic theory of rentier states. Drawing on secondary data and primary information from semi-structured interviews with renewable energy developers and energy experts, this study reveals that renewable energy roll-out in Oman has been delayed through three different strategies, namely the use media and public debate, a reduction of the power of renewable energy stakeholders, and the use of institutional mechanisms to strengthen hydrocarbon-based technologies. Oman's renewable energy transition efforts aim to protect rents from oil exports rather than advance low-carbon energy transition.