Deserts are treasures of renewable energy and the Mena region should make the maximum use of this opportunity, said Dr Mohammed Sanduk, Associate Lecturer at the University of Surrey, UK.
His view came at the panel discussion held as part of the Second Mena IAEE Symposium and Fifth Annual Derasat Forum, which kicked off yesterday
“The predominant deserts across the Mena region have huge potentials for absorbing solar energy. The region is also quite rich when it comes to generating wind energy as well,” Dr Mohammed said. He said the four factors needed to promote renewable energy in the region are science, technology, planning and social acceptance.
Earlier yesterday, the forum began with welcome remarks from Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of Board of Trustees at Derasat. It was followed by a keynote address by Nick Hurd, Former British Minister for Climate Change and Industry.
Saqr Binghalib, Executive Director, Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Application, UAE, said Artificial Intelligence and the digital economy are key factors in the green energy transition.
“Artificial Intelligence will have an impact of $320 billion in coming years in the region. “There are many who worry about AI taking over jobs. But it is not true as there are jobs that didn’t exist 20 years ago.” Dr Omar Al Ubaydli, Director of Studies and Research at Derasat, said sustainability has been one of the pillars of future vision in GCC countries.
“As of now, we have a power grid across the GCC and it will provide tremendous opportunities if the grid is linked to energy systems of Africa and Europe in future.” Dr Majid Al Moneef, Chairman of the Board, Saudi Association for Energy Economics, said there are many challenges in the green energy transition. “Plastics are still used in electric cars, wind towers and solar panels.
Electrification of passenger cars has not reached aviation, shipping and trucking.” He said hydrogen is projected to meet 18-24 per cent of fuel global energy demand by 2050 and its market will reach $11 trillion.
Source: newsofbahrain
