DOHA: Qatar is moving towards a new era of alternative energy with the total installed solar capacity touching 4MW, a senior official from the industry has said.
Delivering the TECHtalk Series hosted by Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), GreenGulf Co-founder and CEO, Omran Al Kuwari, said, “We are seeing the beginning of a new era of interest in solar energy and are trying to use this moment to advance the industry and implement clean solutions in Qatar.”
Al Kuwari and Dr Mohammad Khaleel, Executive Director, Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), observed that Qatar is entering a new era of solar technology with at least one Qatari firm leading the way, QNA reports.
Al Kuwari presented a brief history of Qatar’s solar energy programme that saw the launch of Kahramaa’s first tender in a major national project last year.
He gave insights into where the industry is headed, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and said firms and institutions in Qatar have become important catalysts for development of technology and innovation.
Al Kuwari gave an update on QSTP’s and GreenGulf’s flagship Solar Test Facility project. Since its launch in 2012, the project has gathered data on how 30 solar technologies perform. It helps the industry optimise the performance of solar technologies in a region with abundant solar energy and challenging environmental conditions.
On the promise and critical importance of solar energy in Qatar, Dr Khaleel said, “We have a great opportunity to benefit from solar energy and QEERI is committed to supporting Qatar’s solar journey through innovation and creativity. We must work to take advantage of solar energy at this moment because it does not require massive new infrastructure — just the will and hard work to reach what we aspire to.” Al Kuwari said, “TECHtalk Series has become a powerful platform to discuss issues related to development, creativity, innovation and commercialisation that benefit Qatar.
The Peninsula
