Renewable energy in the GCC: status and challenges

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efforts undertaken by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in deploying renewable energy (RE), in terms of capacity assessments, research and development activities, and current and planned projects. The paper also aims to investigate the drivers and barriers for the diffusion of RE technologies in the GCC.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a literature‐based study on the status of the RE sector in the GCC, including capacities, projects, policies and frameworks in the GCC, in addition to an analysis of the main drivers and barriers to RE deployment arising from the literature.

Findings

The results of this paper illustrate growing interest in renewable energy in the GCC countries at the R&D and project implementation level.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by the provision of the latest knowledge on the status of the RE sector in the GCC and by highlighting the most significant drivers fuelling RE deployment, as well as the barriers currently hindering the greater diffusion of RE technologies in the region.

Citation

Ferroukhi, R., Ghazal‐Aswad, N., Androulaki, S., Hawila, D. and Mezher, T. (2013), "Renewable energy in the GCC: status and challenges", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 84-112. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506221311316498