Arabs urged to use energy judiciously

Two experts have called for the appropriate use of both conventional and renewable sources in energy-deficit Arab countries which suffer from huge power shortages. About half the Arab region faces power shortage and 20% of its population have no access to electricity, according to Merwat Tallawy, executive secretary at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the 6th ESCWA session on Energy at the Ritz Carlton yesterday she said some Arab countries such as Yemen, Egypt, Morocco and Sudan faced acute power shortage.
“There are many places in these countries where either there is no power or there is frequent disruption in supply.
“While these countries meet their demand mostly with power supplies from the energy-rich Gulf region, the development of alterative sources of energy is in their interest,” Merwat said.
People in the region, she said, were now convinced about the need to develop alternative sources such as solar and wind power and nuclear energy.

Gulf Times