GHG emissions from the transport sector in Oman: Trends and potential decarbonization pathways. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charabi, Y.; Al Nasiri, N.; Al Awadhi, T.; Choudri, B.S.; Al Bimani, A.
• Is Part Of: Energy strategy reviews. Volume 32(2021)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Transport sector -- GHG emissions -- Decarbonization pathways -- Oman; Energy policy -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.esr.2020.100548
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-467X

Abstract

Abstract: The Gulf Cooperation Council, despite being the home for the world's largest oil and gas reserves and the highest per capita GDP, the Greenhouse Gas emissions from transportation remain poorly understood, and a missing piece in the puzzle of reduction policies. This paper uses Oman as a Gulf Cooperation Council Countries representative model, with a transport-fuel policy to reveal carbon growth from the transportation sector and to examine feasible paths for carbon-neutral mobility. This study uses IPCC guidelines and methodology of 2006 for the assessment of the GHG emissions trends of transportations modes from 2000 to 2015. The results of the analysis indicating that the share of transport emissions in Oman's total GHG emissions has doubled from 8.1% in 2000 to 16.3% in 2015. Transportation emissions became the third larger contributor to overall greenhouse gas emissions in Oman, after the oil and natural gas (26%) and energy industries (20%). Road transport is the biggest contributor to transport sector emissions, and their contribution to total transport emissions increased from 66% in 2000 to 92% in 2015. Carbon emission from the transportation sector will continue to grow steadily due to the high demand for transportation by a growing population. The cheap availability of fuel and affordable car costs, given the limited public transport, will persist as driving factors of the ongoing rise in carbon emission from transportation. Therefore, curbing emission from the Omani transportation system should take place in the socio-economic context of the country through phasing out the fuel subsidies system, developing a reliable public transport system, planning for the electrification of road transportation, and using rail for freight transportation. Highlights: Transport emissions are the third contributor to total GHG emissions in Oman. Transport share in overall GHG emissions doubled from 8.1% in 2000 to 16.3% in 2015. Road transport accounted for 92% of GHG emissions in 2015. Shed light on achievable pathways for decarbonization of the transport sector. Reform of fuel subsidies policy to support public transport is crucial.