Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 2:50 PM EST
Gulf States Expand Clean Energy
Coverage from Nature, Carbon Herald, and others
Articles
4
Latest Article
03/18
Active Days
45
Executive Summary
GCC states are rapidly scaling solar, hydrogen and CCUS to preserve energy leadership as conflict and costs reshape the low-carbon transition.
- GCC solar capacity rose from 0.17 GW in 2015 to 12.4 GW in 2023
- UAE and Saudi Arabia achieved record low solar costs that support green hydrogen exports
- The region uses superior solar resources, low-cost financing and streamlined governance to scale clean energy
- The paper frames the shift as a resource advantage inversion rather than a resource curse
- GCC countries are pursuing a dual-track strategy that keeps fossil fuel production optimized while expanding clean energy
- Conflict in the Middle East is delaying Gulf CCUS projects and raising capture and transport costs
- Rystad projects Gulf CCUS capacity may fall from about 20 Mtpa by 2030 to about 12 Mtpa by 2035
Quick Facts
- What: Scaling solar hydrogen and carbon capture while keeping fossil fuels
- Where: Gulf Cooperation Council states in the Middle East
- Why: To maintain energy leadership through the low-carbon transition
- Who: GCC countries led by UAE and Saudi Arabia
- When: During the 2020s with CCUS outlook to 2035
Coverage Timeline: 45 Days
Featured Article
GCC oil and gas producers pursue decarbonisation through CCUS and hydrogen with policy measures targeting 2060 in the Gulf region.
Additional Articles
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Researchers analyze in a 2020s study how Gulf Cooperation Council states are using solar and hydrogen investments to maintain global energy leadership during the low-carbon transition.
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Rystad Energy analysis links Middle East conflict to reduced bankability and higher costs for Gulf CCUS projects tied to LNG and refining operations.
Rystad Energy analysis links Middle East conflict to delayed Gulf CCUS capacity targets, projecting reduced capture growth as energy-price shocks raise capture and transport costs.