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Qatar moving ahead on renewable energy

Qatar puts focus on renewable energy initiatives, AMEinfo.com Qatar: November 14 – 2012“………as part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and increasing sustainable energy production, Qatar has overseen a range of internal initiatives
as part of its Vision 2030.

In this, Qatar is one of the region’s leading proponents of energy diversification. The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook report shows that this is in line with a
global shift in attitudes towards energy generation and consumption.

The report forecasts that by 2035 renewable power will generate close
to on third of global energy needs, half of which is set to come from
hydropower, 25% from wind sources and 7.5% from solar power generation
– although in the Middle East the percentage generated from solar
power is expected to be much higher. The agency also highlights that,
alongside the roll out of renewable energy sources, nations need to
look at increasing energy efficiency programmes.

Solar energy programmes lead agenda…. Solar energy is one of the
primary alternate power sources being mooted for investment. The QNFSP
plans to build a solar park in the south of the country that is
expected to produce enough energy for its water desalination capacity.
Several plots will also be allocated to encourage international
companies to set up solar energy production facilities, with the aim
of selling the electricity produced to the QNFSP.

In line with the Vision 2030 diversification goals, Qatar is
essentially looking to create a world-class local solar industry that
has the potential to become an exporter of expertise and technology.
Meanwhile, national utilities provider Qatar Electricity and Water
Company is tying up with Qatar Solar Technologies in order to develop
an appropriate framework to look at the development and effective use
solar power. The stadiums planned for Qatar’s hosting of the FIFA
World Cup 2022 are also set to use solar energy to power the climate
control in summer temperatures that can hit up to 50 degrees.

The QNFSP also plans on reusing waste energy from other sectors as
clean energy – channelling the waste heat from Industrial Cities to
power for seawater desalination is one such initiative.

Qatar is also using its financial clout to buy into overseas companies
that can help diversify its energy output. Last year the Qatar
Investment Authority bought a stake in Spanish utility group Iberdola,
opening up access to large wind power projects undertaken by the
group. http://www.ameinfo.com/qatar-focus-renewable-energy-initiatives-318994

November 16, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | MIDDLE EAST, renewable