Qatar puts focus on renewable energy initiatives

However, 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

The Gulf state has a number of government-run entities looking at how to maximize the potential of its renewable energy projects. Under the aegis of the Qatar National Food Security Programme (QNFSP), for example, the country is looking at a range of initiatives both to focus on the creation of sustainable energy generating projects and to streamline current methodologies to limit wastage and reduce carbon emissions - estimated at 64.68 million Mt.

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.