GCC energy consumptions pattern set for big change

Patterns of domestic consumption of energy are set to change radically with the emergence of important energy challenges with economic and environmental implications across the GCC, according to a paper titled EU-GCC Renewable Energy Policy Cooperation – Exploring Opportunities, published by the Gulf Research Centre.

The paper provides an analysis of the existing status of renewable energy in the GCC, specifically highlighting ongoing initiatives, future opportunities, and potential benefits from RE deployment, as well as barriers faced by the different GCC countries.

The paper was presented at the EU-GCC Renewable Energy Policy Experts’ Workshop, an international meeting organized by the Gulf Research Center, EPU-NTUA and Masdar Institute, and is being published within the framework of the Promoting Deeper EU-GCC Relations project supported by the European Commission.

There has never been a significant issue in energy planning in the GCC. This, however, is set to change with the emergence of important energy challenges with economic and environmental implications. In particular, the region is experiencing astounding growth in domestic demand fueled by rising populations, economic growth, rapid industrialisation and infrastructure development, the paper points out.

The rising demand and the current energy pricing structures are putting pressures on government budgets. The increasing consumption is also resulting in forgone export revenues, and in some countries, threatening the long term sustainability of fossil fuel resources. Finally, the reliance on fossil fuels and the regional consumption patterns, have already led to some of the highest per capita carbon footprints in the world.

As a result, the GCC governments are exploring several ways to diversify their energy mix and introduce alternatives. It is in this context that renewable energy is emerging as one of the viable options for energy diversification in GCC, the paper says.

The full report can be accessed here: http://www.grc.net/download_generic.php?file_name=ODMyNzI%3D