Solar in UAE

Renewable energy is making big news these days. Lots of countries have realized the alarming effects of using oil and coal which are both causing global warming and are also limited. In stark contrast solar, wind and other renewable sources of energy are green, clean, abundant and also eco-friendly.

Developing countries like India and China have set ambitious goals for solar power installation. USA has also made huge targets and the government under President Obama is quite pro-renewable energy. India has plans to install 100GW of solar power by 2022. India was also granted support of $160 billion from the US President Obama, during his last visit to India. USA has been quite pro-active in its solar drive. Not only is the country cutting down its consumption of coal, but the President has recently announced more solar jobs and formal solar training for its citizens. The National Energy Administration announced new increased solar installation target of ~18GW for China by 2015.

Next in line is UAE, the largest oil exporter and producer. According to a UAE report, it is found that renewable energy could account for 10% of the total energy supply in UAE by 2030. Since solar energy is already reaching grid parity in many parts of the globe, costs are declining continuously and it might be the cheapest source of energy alongwith wind energy for UAE.

UAE has become a huge importer of natural gas, since its home production is declining. This has resulted in additional import duties for the country. According to the IRENA report, UAE could install upto 17,500MW of solar power by 2030 from just 40MW at present.

Dr. Fred Moavenzadeh, president of Masdar Institute, said: “This report is an eye-opener. It provides policymakers and investors with an objective cost baseline, making the clear case that renewables, and especially solar, will have a much larger role sooner than we ever expected in the UAE and Middle East.”

Source: PV-Tech