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Renewable Energy Development in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Status, Barriers, and Policy Options

Author

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  • Aisha Al-Sarihi

    (Middle East Institute, National University of Singapore, 29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Block B #06-06, Singapore 119620, Singapore)

  • Noura Mansouri

    (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, Riyadh 11672, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—hold almost 30% of the world’s total proven oil reserves and around 20% of its total proven natural gas reserves. They are also endowed with a high abundance of renewable energy resources such as solar and wind. Yet, the GCC’s primary energy consumption is still dominated by fossil fuels, and the share of renewable energy still does not exceed 1%. Drawing on secondary data, including journal articles, governmental and companies’ websites, and reports and newspaper articles, this paper assesses the reasons behind their underutilization of renewable energy resources. Whereas technical and economic feasibility issues had been identified as the main barriers to slow the uptake of renewable energy technologies in the GCC, this paper uncovered that various additional factors have remarkably influenced such delays. High hydrocarbon subsidies, low electricity tariff structure, fragmented energy policy, the absence of dedicated renewable energy regulator and regulatory framework, and a highly controlled power market are major barriers to renewable energy adoption in the GCC. The paper concludes with policy options to inform scaling up the adoption of renewable energy in the GCC.

Suggested Citation

  • Aisha Al-Sarihi & Noura Mansouri, 2022. "Renewable Energy Development in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: Status, Barriers, and Policy Options," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:5:p:1923-:d:765362
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Shaima A. Alnaqbi & Abdul Hai Alami, 2023. "Sustainability and Renewable Energy in the UAE: A Case Study of Sharjah," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-30, October.

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