Qatar's solar energy drive picks up speed

Qatar is moving towards a new era of alternative energy with the total installed solar capacity in the country touching 4 megawatts, a senior official from the industry told a talk series hosted by Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP).
Speaking at the TECHtalk Series, GreenGulf Co-founder and CEO Omran Al Kuwari said, "We are seeing the beginning of a new era of interest in solar energy and we are trying to use this moment to advance the industry and implement clean solutions in Qatar." From Qatar's solar energy capacity of around 4 megawatts, GreenGulf is responsible for approximately 3.5 megawatts, since its inception in 2009, he said.
Al Kuwari and Dr. Mohammad Khaleel, Executive Director of 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.
At the talk, Al Kuwari gave a concise history of Qatar's solar energy programme that saw launch of Kahramaa's first tender in a major national project in 2014.
He gave insights into where the industry is headed, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030. His talk indicated that firms and institutions in Qatar have become important catalysts the development of technology and innovation.
 The CEO gave an update on QSTP's and GreenGulf's flagship Solar Test Facility project. Since the facility's launch in 2012, it has gathered valuable data on how 30 different solar technologies perform. It helps the industry optimise the performance of solar technologies in a region with abundant solar energy and challenging environmental conditions.
Commenting on the promise and critical importance of solar energy in Qatar, Dr. Khaleel said, "We have a great opportunity to benefit from solar energy in Qatar, 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 needed to reach what we aspire to." Lauding QSTP's TECHtalk Series Al Kuwari said, "This has become a powerful platform for discussing important issues related to development, creativity, innovation and commercialisation that benefits Qatar. We are seeing the beginning of a new era of interest in solar energy and we are trying to use this moment to advance the industry and implement clean solutions in Qatar." Companies like GreenGulf are the product of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development’s (QF) unique and comprehensive cycle of education, research and commercialisation, which helps to deliver economic diversification and innovative home-grown technology that will benefit the country and the rest of the world.
QSTP is Qatar's primary incubator for technology development, and supports QF R&D by fostering the environment required for accelerating commercialisation of research and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.