GCC can be global leader in decarbonisation of power: report

GCC can be global leader in decarbonisation of power: report

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are well-positioned to take a leading role in the decarbonisation of power. A recent white paper by GE , Pathways to Faster Decarbonisation in the GCC’s Power Sector, outlines how they can do so through the strategic and urgent deployment of renewables and gas, while transitioning away from liquid fuels. GE estimates that there is up to 57 GW of generation capacity in simple cycle mode across the GCC at present. Converting just 25% of this capacity to combined cycle would avoid as much as 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, or the equivalent of taking 7.5 million cars off the roads. These conversions can take as little as 16 months and increase a plant’s power output by as much as 50% - without an increase in emissions. Additionally, gas turbine upgrades such as GE’s Advanced Gas Path (AGP) solution can enhance the output, efficiency, flexibility, and availability of gas turbines, while reducing environmental impact. In Qatar, the AGP solution is being installed on four 9F gas turbines at a smelter. It is expected to help increase their power output by up