Arab countries could be pioneers in alternative energy if they invest now in research and new technologies, say energy experts.
They need to seriously think about energy options because regional consumption is rising and gas and oil is running out, they said.
"We consume 18 to 20 per cent of the oil produced locally and after 50 years, how will the situation be with increased consumption?," asked Dubai-based Gulf Research Centre chairman Abdul Aziz Al Sager.
"We have to think seriously about alternatives because gas and oil will not last.
"We have a golden opportunity with the economic boom in the region to be a primary investor in alternative energy.
"The Gulf region could have the opportunity to be pioneers in alternative energy.
"We must encourage research and studies and we must change the culture's consumption habits."
Mr Al Sager was a one of four panelists speaking on the topic, From Oil to Energy: What Legacy, one of the sessions that took place at the Arab Thought Foundation Conference.
About 300 Arab business leaders, students, Non-Government Organisation heads, and media leaders attended the two-day conference, which concluded at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa yesterday.
The event, entitled Arab Strategies for the Global Era, was held under the patronage of His Majesty
King Hamad.
Another panelist, Shell International Middle East, North Africa and South Asia gas and power executive vice-president John Mills pointed out that while gas and oil were set to be the main stay of energy supply for the next 30 to 50 years, Gulf countries should invest in alternative energy.
He said some studies predict that by 2050, 50pc of the world energy supply would come from alternative energy.
"Technologies will be the key to success in addressing energy challenges," said Mr Mills.
"I believe this is an opportunity in the region to help meet world energy challenges."
Dubai-based Arxiel Ventures chief executive officer and panelist Ammar Charani suggested Arab countries invest in solar energy, which could easily be harvested in the region.
Energy
He said putting solar panels across an area measuring 60 kilometres by 60km would produce enough energy for the whole of the Middle East and North Africa region.
"If we make the land 130km by 130km we can supply all of Europe's needs and if we make it 300km by 300km, we will have enough energy to supply the whole world and this is just based on today's technologies, explained Mr Charani.
"This is a technology that will never run out. We need to start investing in this. We shouldn't wait for others to sell this technology to us, like they did with oil.
"We also need to change our way of life and stop being wasteful. We need to teach our society to learn how to preserve and not waste even water.
"We need to change education and have children think creatively and openly."
Panelist US-based Energy Security Analysts president Anas Alhajii and moderator Arab Thought Foundation board of trustees member Mohammed Abou El Enein also spoke at the session.
Via: Gulf Daily News| by Rebeca Torr
Tags:
