Solar-energy boom could cloud skills availability

RELATED ARTICLES: Abu Dhabi, Dubai ill equipped to take back solar | Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court installs solar power | KSA opens first solar power station in south west

The demand for solar power as an important alternative energy source will boost the need for skilled professionals in this sector.

Although the GCC has been slower than countries like Germany and Spain in the development and uptake of solar technologies, Dr. Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri, board member and CEO of Qatar Solar Technologies, believes the next decade will see a boom in MENA.

Speaking at the 2nd GCC French Economic forum in Paris, Dr. Al Hajri said: “We have tapped the energy that lies below us in the form of our oil and gas deposits. We are now looking upwards to the sun to tap its unlimited energy potential. The possibilities are endless.”
 

Several GCC countries, including Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are already using solar energy and researching new applications in solar desalination, solar cooling and for use in oil and gas refining.

“There are a number of interesting solar projects we are seeing within Qatar and the region that will have a positive impact on the development of the solar industry both locally, regionally and internationally,” said Dr Al Hajri.

QSTec announced earlier this month it will build a $1bn solar-grade polysilicon manufacturing facility in Qatar.