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The status of renewable energy in the GCC countries

Abstract: 
The GCC countries have realized that depending on gas will not be the solution due to shortage of resource or environmental impact, articularly the GHG emissions. Therefore, they thought back of using renewable energy resources – after lifting it over in 1990s. They also thought of iversity in electricity production where nuclear energy comes to the icture. The power capacity in GCC countries is at around 75,000 MW, a projected 9.5% growth in annual demand will require more electricity and energy projects; expected to invest USD 200 billion to 250 billion in between 14 and 20 energy projects by 2020. The paper lists the major renewable energy projects (mainly solar and wind) in each of the six GCC countries. The total capacity of these projects exceeds 600 MW. Among these projects is the establishment of the first zero emission house (Green house) in the middle east (7 kW solar, wind and fuel cell) constructed in Bapco residence town (Awali) in Bahrain and therefore, been highlighted more in this paper. Moreover, nearly all GCC countries are planning to construct PV plants with large capacity. Also, several projects in Building Integrated Photovoltaic and Building Integrated Wind Turbines are established in GCC countries.
Author: 
W.E. Alnaser, N.W. Alnaser
Institution: 
College of Science, University of Bahrain
Year: 
2011
Region(s): 
Industry Focus: 
Energy
Transport
Legal & Financial
Country: 
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain
Datatype(s): 
Bibliographies & Reports
Events
Policies
Theory/Definition