GCC’s Fastest Growing Renewable Tech

The Clean Technology Industry Has Seen a Sudden Growth in Confidence for Water Technologies in 2014, According to EY's 4th Mena

The report, which was launched at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, gauges the sentiment of senior industry executiveson renewable energy implementation in the region.

"A significant shift in the expectations of industry executives occurred during 2014 with regard to the growth of clean
technologies in the Mena region over the next five years. Innovation in water technologies is helping drive energy efficiency inthe region, especially given the mostly hot, arid climate.

"It's interesting to note that water was mentioned less frequently as a growth area over the last three years, yet it has nowbecome the leader in market potential over the next five years. Prospects for investment in water infrastructure in 2014 havealso improved markedly over previous years," said EY's Mena Power and Utilities leader Christian von Tschirschky.

Solar was ranked second in terms of market potential over the next five years, although it was ranked first place over the pastthree years.

Confidence in solar had been growing based on the announcements of new projects and policies in the region, owing toits low pricing and interest rates and abundant solar resources.

Following water and solar in the survey results are green buildings and energy efficiency. These technologies may rise inimportance over the coming years, given their highest return on investment and fastest payoff as well as the high levels ofenergy consumption in several Mena countries.

EY's Mena Power and Utility director Nimer Abu Ali said, "Cleantech is finding widespread acceptance in the region. Technologicalbreakthroughs in solar, wind, and water are driving the increased importance of cleantech among regional leadership, legislatorsand government entities."

He added, "Decreasing cost of solar and wind farms, coupled with the development of rooftop generation technology, are providingmore options to countries to lower their dependency on fossil fuels.

Future developments will see the region adopt technologiessuch as electric cars, smart metering, and a host of other clean technologies."

These rankings were mirrored closely in the GCC. Water technologies, for example, edged-out solar as the fastest-growingcleantech technology.

Energy efficiency and green buildings were also ranked third in the GCC. Due to climatic conditions andhigh energy usage, energy efficiency and green buildings will continue to remain a top priority for the GCC countries, the report
said.

Source: GulfTimes

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