1 September 2010
Abu Dhabi makes big low-carbon claims
Renewable energy can deliver 7% of Abu Dhabi's electricity by 2020, the emirate claims. If the plan works, it could bring a shift in power generation across the region. Miles Lang reports
ABU DHABI is taking leadership of the greening of the Mideast Gulf. The emirate wants 7% of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020 and is spending more than $20bn to green its energy mix. If it works, the plan could transform the region, pushing the emirate's neighbours to tap their own renewable-energy potential to meet rising electricity demand – and free up more oil and gas for export. As in other Gulf countries, Abu Dhabi's electricity consumption is soaring. In August last year, peak demand reached a record high of 6.255 gigawatts (GW) and consumption is forecast to continue growing by 10% a year, with peak summer demand reaching 12 GW within a decade. The new 7% target
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