Renewable Energy Against an Oil and Gas Background: Challenges, Drivers, and Case Studies

Abstract

Renewable energy (RE) development has always been a difficult proposition in oil- and gas-rich countries. Since it has not been the main economic driver for these countries, inadequate emphasis has been placed in this area. But most countries have realized that fossil fuel reserves are exhaustible and that in order to ensure future sustainable development, more importance must be attached to developing indigenous renewable sources of energy.

In an oil and gas backdrop, huge challenges are being faced on an ongoing basis. Therefore, much more effort has to be placed on education and sensitization programs. The average person is more concerned with his present economic status and therefore pays less attention to the future benefits that can be derived from using RE technologies.

Ensuring sustainable socioeconomic development is challenging in societies where substantial subsidies continue to be placed on fossil fuel electricity generation as opposed to green technologies. But governments are fast realizing that their economies will not be sustained when oil and gas reserves are reducing. Emphasis is being placed on international cooperation to intensify RE project development.

Many oil- and gas-rich countries are now moving toward a “Green Energy Revolution.” Some classic examples include Abu Dhabi’s carbon-neutral Masdar City, Qatar’s Solar Schools’ project, and Saudi Arabia’s solar heating plant in Riyadh. The Caribbean Community is also moving toward a 50 % RE in its energy mix. Even Trinidad and Tobago, a net exporter of natural gas, is forging ahead with its plans to develop RE technologies, in particular solar and wind energy.

The goal is therefore to improve overall economic advantage and accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable technologies for future environmental preservation.