The Middle East Energy

Despite holding substantial oil reserves, Kuwait is stepping up its efforts to develop alternative sources of energy. In mid-June the government announced it was inviting bids for the construction of Shagaya, a renewable energy park, as part of its plan to generate 15% of its electricity through non-oil sources by 2030.

The world’s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is spreading its wings into energy ventures far from the vast reserves on its own doorstep. Qatar is investing in shale-related projects in North America and elsewhere to help maintain its position as one of the top players in the global gas market.

A double pipeline that will channel oil to Jordan from Iraq is expected to play a key role in the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify and strengthen its energy sources.

Kuwait has announced it is conducting studies into the viability of extracting shale gas from recently identified reserves, although any commercial operation will likely be many years off.

Harnessing new technology to extract Jordan’s oil shale reserves could help reduce reliance on imported hydrocarbons as well as enhance energy security.

A move to bring the marketing and sales side of Qatar’s chemical, fertiliser and polymer operations under one umbrella is an indication of the country’s plans to build a larger and more vibrant downstream petrochemicals sector, which is expected to see increased revenues from plans to more than double production by 2020.