Scaling up Renewable Energy in the GCC would Reap Major Benefits, IRENA Report Finds

Scaling up renewable energy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries would reap multiple benefits, according to a report released today by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Renewable Energy Market Analysis: The GCC Region, finds that GCC countries could save 11 trillion litres of water withdrawal (a 16 per cent decrease), save 400 million barrels of oil in power sector (a 25 per cent decrease), create more than 200,000 direct jobs and reduce the per capita carbon footprint by 8 per cent in 2030, if GCC plans and targets are achieved.
“The GCC region has long been a global leader in energy production and can further strengthen this role through the development of its vast renewable energy resources,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin. “In doing so, the region can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and save precious water resources, all while meeting its fast growing energy needs sustainably.” ….