Power Energy

Move towards renewables – Where is the problem?

The total power generated through renewables in the GCC has grown from a meagre 20 GWh in 2010 to 620 GWh in 2015. But looking at the bigger picture, it constitutes to less than 1% of the total power generated in the region while the global figure is at 23.3%. Europe and North America stand at 34.2% and 22% respectively in 2016 with Norway leading the way with 97.87%. Norway has long been a pioneer in renewables with focus on...

The Two Sides of Shale Oil

Shale will decline   Shale will be resilient Oil price has dropped from over $100 a barrel last year to $57 today   The Saudis misjudged or underestimated the growth of the shale industry leading up to 2014, from 2005 Over half a trillion dollars of capital invested so far, mainly through junk bonds   US shale frackers are not high-cost; they are mostly mid-cost Austerity rife among shale producers   Frackers could potentially induce cost savings of upto 45%...

Solar Energy in the GCC

According to a Ifri-Markaz report published in 2012 called ‘Powering Kuwait into the 21st Century: Alternatives for Power Generation’, it was pointed out that the GCC region is facing gas shortages and Kuwait ranks independency of supply among its policy priorities, renewable, and in particular solar have their own place in the power mix. The paper also called for further fleshing out the renewable energies target in Kuwait with more specifics. Moreover, the concept was highlighted that the gradual introduction...

Alternative Energy in Fossil Fuel Rich GCC Countries

The consumption of energy in GCC is driven by high level of urbanization, growing expatriates, fuel subsidises and industrialization. The continuous growth in energy consumption is snowballing into a major issue, as GCC countries are finding it difficult to suffice their own needs. According to World Energy Council, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is expected to require 100 GW of additional power in next ten years to suffice their domestic consumption requirements. GCC countries per capita power consumption is amongst the...