Monday, December 8, 2014

Middle East needs to push for more solar

In energy world, Middle East is a region associated with oil with countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Yemen having vast oil resources at their disposal. But oil resources won't last forever, and region will have to look for other sources of energy in order to ensure sustainable energy future. Solar power looks to be the most logical energy solution to replace oil, especially on the long run.

This region is blessed with abundant sunlight. Developing strong solar energy sector is really a necessity for Middle East not just because massive oil export won't last forever but also because of increasing consumer demand for oil in their own countries.

If oil prices continue to remain low this will put the pressure on domestic budgets of these countries, and with less profits they will find it difficult to maintain their current luxury because their entire energy policies are based strictly on oil export.

These countries will have to invest in solar, sooner or later. Solar technologies are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with traditional energy sources and are thus more attractive to investors. Strong solar energy sector in this area could not only conserve region's vast oil resources but could also result in cleaner environment. Many cities in this region are infamous for their poor air quality.

Saudi Arabia, a leading economic power in the region, has already announced a $109bn investment plan to generate a third of its electricity from solar power. This positive example should be followed by many other countries in the region.

The enormous Middle East’s solar potential means that with the proper investment this region can not only remain a world leader in fossil fuel production, it can also become a world leader in solar energy production as well.

0 comments: