Al-Kuwari ... thinking renewables
By Pratap John/Chief Business Reporter


A growing demand for power throws open the possibility of harnessing renewable energy, including solar, in Qatar and the Gulf region, an expert has said.
Delivering keynote address yesterday at a seminar hosted by Korean embassy at the Diplomatic Club, GreenGulf CEO Omran al-Kuwari said the implementation of a ‘long-term energy plan’ facilitates the use of renewable energy to the extent possible at a time when the need for power generation rises across the region.
“In Qatar, because of the abundance of gas resources, there is no immediate challenge to power generation. However, in the long run it makes sense to tap renewable energy to meet our rising needs,” al-Kuwari said.
He said the current high costs to tap renewable energy would possibly come down with major investments in the sector. The private sector has to play a key role in this.
Qatar, he said, has taken several initiatives to promote ‘clean technology’. A key pillar of Qatar National Vision 2030 is ‘environment development’, al-Kuwari pointed out.
Qatar’s other clean technology initiatives include Qatar National Food Security Programme, Barwa’s Qatar Sustainability Assessment System, Msheireb Properties, Qatar National Convention Centre, Energy City Qatar, solar desalination by Kahramaa, QSTP’s poly-silicon plant in Ras Laffan and QSTP Solar Testing Facility.
Among all the renewable energy sources, solar has potential in Qatar because of the availability of sunlight, al-Kuwari said.
However, challenges remain. They include lack of adequate land for setting up solar plants, wind, humidity and high ambient temperature, he said.
“But with proper financial support and incentives and active private sector participation, solar technology can be developed further in Qatar. We have the know-how and expertise in Qatar,” al-Kuwari said.
In his opening address, Korean ambassador Chang See-jeong stressed the importance of a strategy for sustainable development and the necessity for introducing renewable energy sources to meet the current rising energy needs.
The seminar was also addressed by Dr Y H Kang ( Korean Institute of Energy Research) as well as experts from GS Engineering and Construction and Samsung C&T.
The presentations focused on the research status, success and achievements in implementing multiple renewable energy projects in Korea and around the world.
Korea has proposed ‘green growth’ as a new economic paradigm, with the ultimate aim of building a sense of responsibility among international community with regard to earth.
Among the guests were Qatar Cool CEO Fayad al-Khatib, Qatar University College of Engineering dean Dr Mazen O Hasna and Dr Kenneth Hall, Associate Dean of Research in Texas A&M University at Qatar.