BP's solar power division is discussing with Gulf businesses the introduction of pilot schemes in the region, a senior Emirati official was quoted as saying by the Gulf News.
"I believe there is a huge potential for solar energy in the Gulf, especially in remote, often unmanned locations," he said.
"There is growing interest in using solar panels integrated on buildings. With such panels, it will be possible in a climate like that of the UAE for buildings with a glass facade to generate most of their energy requirements, with a consequent reduction of demand on the national grid."
BP solar projects include using solar power for offshore buoys and platforms, cathodic protection for pipelines, LED-based technology for aviation obstruction lights and development of building integrated photo voltaics, said the daily.
BP solar has a manufacturing base in Saudi Arabia and representatives in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) including a recent partnership in the UAE with Emirates Holdings.
BP says it plans to expand its wholly owned BP solar subsidiary into a one-billion-dollar business by 2007 from 200 million dollars today.
It is predicting renewable sources may fill up to 50 percent of the world's energy needs by 2050 -- Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
