Recent reports concerning energy consumption in the UAE have stated that 25% of Gulf water has been consumed, with 1/5 of it being used for electrical energy. The reports also stated that the UAE would need 10 billion dollars to satisfy energy demand for the next ten years, due the increasing developments and projects on land that rise 12% each year.
As the world relies on 90% of electrical power from traditional energy sources, whether chemically from batteries, converting dynamic energy to electrical energy as seen in electricity generators, from thermal energy as seen in thermal generators, or from natural sources such as thunderbolts or friction, though highly expensive and not always available, scientists now look for new energy sources, after current sources have been depleted.
“There is a consistent interest in using ebb and flow movements and river outlets to generate power, where large amounts of water flow in thin canals, which increases water flow greatly, but these sources contribute to environmental problems,” Dr. Abdulla Al Amiri, Chairman of the Emirates Energy Awards, a subsidiary of Dubai Quality Group, said.
“As a result, scientists thought about using coastal tides. Fence extensions were extended in the canals, between small islands, and this was an effective measure, as opposed to putting these fences along river banks. This method proved possible in some areas in the country, but it is seasonal and relies heavily on rain and rising water levels, which does not make it very useful,” He added.
Speaking about the other possible theory for energy, Al Amiri said: “There have been studies conducted about using heat from the earth’s core. It has been discovered that 99% of the earth’s mass is a heat source that reaches over 1000? C, thus making it possible to cover world energy needs for the next 100 thousand years, the only problem is converting such energy into electrical power demands very high costs. Studies are still continuing to ensure the success of this project”.
GCC countries are currently developing 114-120 energy-generating projects, collectively worth between 160-220 billion dollars, and expected to grow, according to international growth rates, to 132 million dollars. These countries are playing an important role as the biggest exporters of capital, estimated at 30 million dollars according to the International Bank reports, to third-world countries for 2008. This would make more money flow, encouraging more projects to be established in the region.
WAM
