Spotlight shines on solar power

UAE Minister of Environment and Water HE Dr Rashid Bin Fahad and Honorary Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Dr Farooq Abdul

In this issue we focus on the solar power sector, and look at a range of companies involved in this burgeoning industry, featuring products as diverse as solar water-heating systems and solar streetlights.

“DEWA should really be pushing such alternative technologies, as it is experiencing a lot of shortages, not only in generation capacity, but also infrastructure such as transformers and substations.

“Projects have to wait for power. Generation is also very polluting. In addition, the actual generation costs far outstrip the 20 to 30 fils/kWh that DEWA charges, when it actually costs 80 fils/kWh.

“If the grid is not overloaded, then underserviced areas can be prioritised. It is in the best interests of electricity providers to promote renewable energy,” Nabil Hamade from CStar International.

“The MENA region has a unique opportunity to develop high-quality, globally-competitive solar suppliers, who produce at lower costs than US or European suppliers.”

“A competitive regional solar energy industry has the potential of creating more than 100 000 new jobs in the region, based on benchmarks from other regions. This includes direct jobs in PV and CSP suppliers, developers and operators, as well as supporting industries,” says AT Kearney Middle East principal Christian von Tschirschky.

In terms of the perceived need to cut costs in light of the economic downturn, Ecoval General Trading LLC MD Jim Sebastian says a lot of customers do opt for bottom-line products.

“However, I see there is a market for good products, and there is a market for cheap. We decided we wanted to opt for the niche of top-quality, high-end products. Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. Satisfied customers equate to peace of mind and repeat business,” argues Sebastian.

Solar power was prominent at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi. More than 160 major players exhibited their products and services, including ABB, Suntech, GE Energy, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Brisban Solar, Azur Solar, Solar One, Canadian Solar, Oerlikon Solar, BP Alternative Energy, Acciona, Yingli Green Energy, Solaria and Terna Energy.

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