Civil and Architectural Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Department-College of Engineering-Sultan Qaboos University
Toward Smart Grid Transformation – A Case Study in Oman
Ahmed AL Shaqsi
Abstract
Smart grid is becoming a priority as organizations strive to reduce energy costs, conform to
regulatory requirements, and improve their corporate image, increasing the use of renewable
energy, and relying first on energy efficiency, conservation and demand response to meet
increases in energy demand. The evolution of smart grid technologies can help power utilities to
address these issues while adhering to their commitment of being low‐cost, reliable, safe, and
environmentally sound service providers. This research examines the current status of Mazoon
Electricity Company with regards to the Smart Grid. The research discusses current plans and
future visions. It recommends further research and investigation into the potential benefits of
smart grid technologies.
A smart grid maturity model was the prime tool which was used to assess the current situation
and future plan. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. The smart gird
investments decision was based on a multi- criteria decision technique. The preliminary results
of the research show that the company is in the initial stages of smart grid deployment.
Following an in-depth multi-dimensional analysis of preliminary research results, some
recommendations for smart grid transformation are presented. The conclusion drawn from the
analysis is that smart grid investments, namely SCADA and AMI, are the first and second
ranked options to move towards smart grid.