JEDDAH – Oman ranked first in the GCC countries in global energy systems ranking, the Global Energy Architecture Performance Report 2013, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), showed. Oman was ranked sixth globally in energy access and security performance, being the only country from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the top 10. In the WEF global ranking, energy access and security performance measure how secure each country's energy systems are and the level of access, quality and diversity and sufficiency to energy sources. The 10 ten countries in energy access and security performance are able to capitalize on geological advantages or a well-established trade network to ensure supply is not dependent on too few energy sources, the report said. The WEF report has rated the energy systems of 105 countries from the perspective of economic growth and development, environmental sustainability, and energy access and security. Norway, Sweden and France topped the ranking, but Oman was ranked above most of the Middle Eastern countries. Saudi Arabia and UAE ranked 82nd and 87th, while Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain were placed 92nd, 95th and 99th, respectively. The report also indicated that US and OPEC countries languish outside the top 50 in the global ranking. WEF's energy systems ranking aims to create a set of indicators that help to highlight the performance of various countries across each facet of their energy systems. It is designed to help countries manage and navigate the challenges that arise from this period of change which, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), will require US$38tn of investment in energy-supply infrastructure by 2035 to meet rising global demand, the report said. Roberto Bocca, senior director and head of energy industries at WEF, said energy decisions can be simplified through a common understanding of the trade-offs they require.With clear objectives to achieve a balanced energy system that is environmentally sustainable, drives the economy and is secure, decision-makers should facilitate quicker and more cost effective transitions. The energy systems index is a tool to help in this process, Bocca added. The scale and complexity of the global energy industry demands a country-by-country approach to managing change, said Arthur Hanna, a member of WEF?s global agenda council on new energy architecture. — SG/Agencies
