This online feature article is adapted from Arthur D. Little’s recent Viewpoint on reviving momentum that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has lost in past years for developing solar energy technology in the region. The GCC has one of the highest rates of insolation, and therefore huge potential to benefit from solar energy as its primary energy source. Almost all of the countries in the GCC have declared plans for significant solar energy initiatives – particularly Saudi Arabia, with its goals of implementing 41GW of solar energy over the long term.

However, the high ambition across the region appears to have lapsed since the various announcements in recent years. The article talks about key areas affecting the progress, including policy support, implementation vehicles, industrial strategy and participation of the private sector in the initiatives, as well as R&D, human capital development and investment funding.