DUBAI: A country that produces nearly 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day has little reason to look anywhere else. However, regard for the environment and the realization that fossil fuel reserves may not last forever have induced authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to consider renewable energy options.

The setting up of the first-ever Department of Renewable Energy in the Ministry of Electricity and Water last year is a clear example of the interest in clean energy sources.

The department will be responsible for drawing up a national programme to assess the use of these sources; encouraging their use; disseminating technologies and conducting awareness programmes.

"We know that renewable energy is the future, even though we are an oil-producing country," said Saud Al Humaidan, the ministry's assistant under secretary for technical affairs, in a press statement.

"There is no doubt we have good oil reserves, but one can't be sure how long they will last. Renewable energy should be seen not only as an alternative energy, but also as a cleaner and better option," he added.

Forecasts suggest that by 2050, up to half of the UAE's required energy will come from renewable sources. Solar energy, the cleanest source in environmental terms, is likely to form a large percentage.

"The UAE has tremendous renewable energy potential. It receives more than 300 days of sunshine in a year, so solar energy is the main source. Several parts have high wind speeds as well, hence wind energy is a good option too," said Pierre Jacques, a French engineer based in Dubai, one of the emirates.

Though most people consider solar energy as an expensive proposition especially in the UAE where power is cheap, the use of solar energy in the country is slowly increasing be it for the parking meters in Dubai, offshore buoys or solar water heating systems in some hotels.

While solar power links in remote desert regions have increased the coverage area of mobile phones, the use of solar power in telecommunications has reduced over 260 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year as well.

The hydrocarbons industry also employs solar power for both onshore and offshore facilities, which has reduced the need for constant mechanical maintenance. -Dawn/The Inter Press News Service.