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The globe is now in ecological turmoil as a result of the unrelenting increase in global warming. As a result, governments worldwide are committing to decarbonizing the environment, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) playing an important role in this effort. Hence, this paper evaluates the nonlinear (asymmetric) impact of natural gas consumption on renewable energy consumption and economic growth in the KSA and the UAE utilizing data stretching from 1990 to 2020. The study also considers other drivers of renewable energy consumption and economic growth, such as trade openness and CO2 emissions. The study utilizes nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) to evaluate these associations. The outcomes of bounds nonlinear ARDL (NARDL), affirm the long-run association between the variables in both countries. The nonlinear results show that positive and negative shocks in natural gas consumption have a negative impact on renewable energy in both UAE and KSA. In contrast, positive and negative shocks in natural gas consumption impact economic growth positively. The study proposed vital policy recommendations based on these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive focus on operational energy research has positively impacted both academia and policymakers, facilitating new strategies that reduce the energy consumed by building occupants. Much less emphasis has, however, been given to embodied energy. Consequently, although studies now show that embodied energy can be responsible for up to 50% of a building's life cycle energy, little is known about the embodied energy associated with the construction of buildings, materials, and components in the study context. The aim of this study is to investigate the current scenario in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by calculating the embodied energy of a residential villa, and estimating the initial, recurrent, and demolition and disposal embodied energies over a 50-year building life span. A detailed assessment of the embodied energy associated with the construction of the case study villa was carried out using an input–output hybrid approach, followed by a sensitivity analysis focused on variations related to the energy associated and consumed, as well as the adoption of renewable energy sources. The findings show that the initial embodied energy was 57% of the life cycle embodied energy and 19% of the life cycle energy of the villa while the recurrent embodied energy was 43% of the life cycle embodied energy and 14% of the life cycle energy of the villa. The life cycle embodied energy of the villa, over a 50-year life span was 36% of the life cycle energy. This paper also highlights the impact of adding a solar PV system and lists multiple areas for future studies related to embodied energy and its benefit to stakeholders in the building industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovations in buildings help to reduce energy consumption and promote environmental protection and as well as the use of renewable energy technology. However, there is a conflict when the need for an innovation clashes with the financial burden and the complex adoption processes. As a result, the negative impacts of buildings remain, and the low adoption of strategic innovations remains unaddressed. This study aims to explore this challenge, the various sides of this debate and provide a practical guide which promotes energy and building-related innovations driven by policy. This paper is an extract from a recent doctoral study conducted using an exploratory qualitative model and interviews with eighty-six residents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) was selected as a case study energy innovation and the thematic analysis of the data collected suggests that BIPV adoption is limited by multiple barriers. The debate arising from the findings highlights two opposing viewpoints. One view claims that mandatory policies are necessary to promote innovation adoption. The other view argues that the merits of mandatory policy are lost since multiple barriers significantly discourage adoption in the first place. The study takes a proactive step towards resolving the debate using a systematic approach that recommends specific drivers backed by supporting policies to guide human-centered, stakeholder-driven renewable energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: For the first time, this paper investigates the relationship between crowdfunding and renewable energy generation for a panel of 32 countries from 2013 to 2018. Applying the instrumental variable generalised method of moment, this study indicated that crowdfunding has a significant positive effect on renewable energy generation. Notably, 1% increase in crowdfunding raises renewable energy generation by 0.35%. Specifically, we also found that crowdfunding spurs the generation of solar energy (0.45%), wind energy (0.37%), and other renewable energy (0.30%) while having a neutral effect on hydroelectricity generation. The findings from the causality analysis showed that there is bi‐directional causality between crowdfunding and renewable energy generation. Country‐specific analysis indicated that China has the highest effect of crowdfunding on renewable energy generation, while the United Arab Emirates has the lowest effect. These findings suggest that policymakers need to advance crowdfunding development by promoting favourable regulations, social capital (trust), and internet infrastructure investment. Policies that advance renewable energy generation, such as subsidies, feed‐in‐tariffs, and technology procurement, are also recommended. Highlights: Examines the effect of crowdfunding on renewable energy generation.Use a panel of 32 countries from 2013 to 2018.Crowdfunding drives renewable energy generation.There exists bi‐directional causality between crowdfunding and renewable energy generation.China has the highest effect of crowdfunding on renewable energy generation. NOVELTY STATEMENT: This study has, for the first time, measured the contributions of crowdfunding to renewable energy generation. The study has also demonstrated that there exists bi‐directional causality between crowdfunding and renewable energy generation. Finally, this study has shown that China has the highest effect of crowdfunding on renewable energy generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to highlight efforts of an emerging market economy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in complementing the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) initiative. This is a growing phenomenon that has brought about a major shift in the international business landscape with emerging markets at the center.Design/methodology/approach – The exploratory nature of the paper prompted the need to draw upon media reports and other official documents in a bid to stimulate academic interest in Masdar City – the world's first zero-carbon city in Abu Dhabi (capital of the UAE) as a business case illustration.Findings – Masdar City remains arguably the world's acclaimed first zero-carbon, zero-waste city fully powered by renewable energy and poised to attract leading international expertise, academics, commerce, and residents. It also sets a standard for other emerging market players to emulate in this resurgent wave in the "internationalisation of innovation into emerging markets".Social implications – The aspiration to live within ecological limits and still improve the quality of people's lives is undoubtedly the cornerstone for sustainable development. Be that as it may, developments at Masdar City would require further monitoring and of course academic and policy research into how it feeds into (as well as feeds off) the international support enjoyed by this emerging market.Originality/value – By highlighting the efforts made in the UAE, in addition to securing headquarter status for IRENA and the rapid development of Masdar City, it looks quite obvious that the time for reflection is nigh and to learn lessons from the successful communities and emulate the ideas and innovations of these communities by the backward and not so successful nations and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is the introduce corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Abu Dhabi, the biggest Emirate and one with the largest oil reserve in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abu Dhabi set the first renewable energy policy in the region in January 2009. The policy calls for at least 7 percent of Abu Dhabi's power generation capacity to come from renewable energy sources by 2020. In 2006, the leadership of Abu Dhabi made a strategic decision to establish a globally competitive renewable energy sector in the country and hence the Masdar Initiative was created. It is driven by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (ADFEC), also called Masdar. Design/methodology/approach - The paper focuses on the corporate social responsibility of Masdar and the role the firm is playing as the "prime mover" in the renewable energy sector in UAE and the region. The paper is structured in the following manner. First, the literature on corporate social responsibility is reviewed. Second, the environmental challenges of UAE are highlighted. Third, the paper discusses the different business units of Masdar and their related projects and investments at local, regional and global levels. Finally, the role of ADFEC as a "prime mover" in sustainability and corporate social responsibility is highlighted. Findings - Masdar has taken leadership in CSR and sustainable energy technologies in Abu Dhabi, UAE and the region. Originality/value - The case demonstrates the willingness of oil-producing countries to become more sustainable and to do something about climate change. The Masdar Initiative, which includes the first carbon-neutral city, can be regarded as a benchmark for future similar projects in the region and around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to analyze and propose the United Arab Emirates (UAE) plan of Renewable Energy mix in 2030 to achieve the government target of reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of CO 2 while maintaining the electricity price to a minimum. The study includes many proposals of the energy mix for electricity to achieve the target, and a comparison study to IRENA's proposal to select the most suitable energy mix plan in terms of CO 2 reduction while maintaining the electricity price. The analysis has been conducted in two different cases: the first case analyzed where the government of UAE does not implement CO 2 taxation of hydrocarbon fuels used to generate electricity; however, the second case analyzed if the government apply CO 2 taxations what would the results be. Further on, calculations of the surplus energy were implemented for future studies on utilization of the excess energy or reducing the power capacity. This paper provides a background analysis of UAE's electricity consumptions and future government plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many water pumping power systems that exist nowadays relying on conventional and renewable energy sources such as mechanical windmills, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, and diesel generators. Few designs utilize thermoelectric modules for the purpose of enhancing the reliability and the performance of the system in order to provide water supply to isolated zones continuously. The use of thermoelectric (TE) modules is increasing due to their reduced prices and the possibility of using them in different applications depending on the required specifications of motors and other connected loads. This paper proposes a renewable energy system design for water pumping applications in Sharjah (Latitude 25.29-N and Longitude 55-E), United Arab Emirates. The system involves TE modules for operating the three-phase AC water pumping motor, voltage regulator, voltage boost converter, and three-phase power inverter while considering the changes of temperature values which affect the performance of the thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules. The aim is integrating TEG modules to cover the increasing demand of water in rural areas since rainy days in Sharjah are limited and the temperature is high. The performances of the proposed system will be demonstrated using Simulink simulations for the overall blocks of the proposed system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is one of the promising renewable energy technologies, several technical and economic challenges should be addressed. One of the major issues associated with Concentrated Solar Power technologies is the reliability limitation of the plant in the stand-alone configuration. Therefore, Concentrated Solar Power systems can be integrated with either thermal energy storage (TES) or a fossil-fuelled power assist FFPA). However, initial and maintenance costs and emission production are the main challenges for the developing countries. Integrating biofuel/biogas with CSP increases the renewability while solar irradiation is in absent. The paper main objective is to perform a feasibility study of integrating a biofuel based gas turbine power units in a Concentrated Solar Power plant for electricity and water cogeneration. The study includes the thermodynamics analysis and assessment of three biofuels, namely, Jatropha oil, castor oil, and palm oil. In addition, a cost lifecycle, sensitivity, and Monte Carlo analyses were performed. The results showed that Castor oil had a better performance in terms of efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with a maximum daily freshwater production of 181,000 m³/day. The proposed integration resulted in a levelized cost of water that is lower than the water tariff in the UAE by $1.39/m³ with a payback period of 5 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper looks into developing energy policy in the UAE in order to prompt renewable energy practices and thus sustainability in the UAE. This includes analyzing current and proposed future energy policies in the UAE. The research analyzed a wide range of strategies used in different countries in order to assess the best practice examples, while remaining mindful of the particularities of each country. Based on these lessons a strategy for promoting renewable energy in the UAE was formulated. The proposed strategy is composed of short, medium and long term policies. The proposed strategy was submitted to and discussed with relevant authorities and stakeholders in the UAE. Based on the feedback from the stakeholders the proposed policy was further refined. The main components of the final strategy include deregulation at three different levels (emirate, country and the gulf region), open access to the grid as well as financial incentives, e.g. implementation of a Feed-in Tariff. The final strategy is included at the end of the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy technology and in particular solar energy is being considered worldwide due to the fluctuations in oil prices, global warming and the growing demand for energy supply. This paper investigates the climate conditions available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in particular Abu Dhabi to implement Photovoltaic (PV) technology. Measured solar radiation was analyzed for five different geographical locations to ensure the suitability of this region. Hourly, daily and monthly global horizontal irradiation (GHI) were collected and processed. Statistical methods were used to evaluate the computed GHI and showed high values especially during the summer period. Moreover, clearness index was calculated to investigate the frequency of cloudy sky days and results have shown a high percentage of clear days during the year. This paper highlights a promising future for Abu Dhabi in the solar energy sector and in particular Photovoltaic (PV) technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The shift toward renewable energy resources, and photovoltaic systems specifically, has gained a huge focus in the past two decades. This study aimed to assess several environmental and economic impacts of a photovoltaic system that installed on the rooftop of an industrial facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The life cycle assessment method was employed to study all the flows and evaluate the environmental impacts, while several economic indicators were calculated to assess the feasibility and profitability of this photovoltaic system. The results showed that the production processes contributed the most to the environmental impacts, where the total primary energy demand was 1152 MWh for the whole photovoltaic system, the total global warming potential was 6.83 × 10–2 kg CO2-eq, the energy payback time was 2.15 years, the carbon dioxide payback time was 1.87 years, the acidification potential was 2.87 × 10–4 kg SO2-eq, eutrophication potential was 2.45 × 10–5 kg PO43-eq, the ozone layer depletion potential was 4.685 × 10–9 kgCFC-11-eq, the photochemical ozone creation potential was 3.81 × 10–5 kg C2H4-eq, and the human toxicity potential was 2.38 × 10–2 kg1,4-DB-eq for the defined function unit of the photovoltaic system, while the economic impact indicators for the whole system resulted in a 3.5 year payback period, the benefit to cost ratio of 11.8, and 0.142 AED/kWh levelized cost of electricity. This was the first study to comprehensively consider all of these impact indicators together. These findings are beneficial inputs for policy- and decision-makers, photovoltaic panel manufacturers, and photovoltaic contractors to enhance the sustainability of their processes and improve the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Arab Emirates is moving towards the use of renewable energy for many reasons, including the country's high energy consumption, unstable oil prices, and increasing carbon dioxide emissions. The usage of electric vehicles can improve public health and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. Thus, the usage of renewable energy resources to meet the demands of electric vehicles is the major challenge influencing the development of an optimal smart system that can satisfy energy requirements, enhance sustainability and reduce negative environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to examine different configurations of hybrid renewable energy systems for electric vehicle charging in Abu Dhabi city, UAE. A comprehensive study was conducted to investigate previous electric vehicle charging approaches and formulate the problem accordingly. Subsequently, methods for acquiring data with respect to the energy input and load profiles were determined, and a techno-economic analysis was performed using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software. The results demonstrated that the optimal electric vehicle charging model comprising solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, batteries and a distribution grid was superior to the other studied configurations from the technical, economic and environmental perspectives. An optimal model could produce excess electricity of 22,006 kWh/year with an energy cost of 0.06743 USD/kWh. Furthermore, the proposed battery–grid–solar photovoltaics–wind turbine system had the highest renewable penetration and thus reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 384 tons/year. The results also indicated that the carbon credits associated with this system could result in savings of 8786.8 USD/year. This study provides new guidelines and identifies the best indicators for electric vehicle charging systems that will positively influence the trend in carbon dioxide emissions and achieve sustainable electricity generation. This study also provides a valid financial assessment for investors looking to encourage the use of renewable energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years companies are increasingly becoming aware of the need to have policies and practices that lead to sustainable workforce and embrace the concept of work–life balance and appreciate its importance as a tool to improve employee productivity, satisfaction and retention. The topic has great significance especially in the context of modern business world that is characterized by highly competitive markets and higher focus on sustainable organizations. This paper explores the status of work–life balance policies and initiatives in various business organizations within the national context of United Arab Emirates. A qualitative multiple case study approach is adopted to identify various elements of work–life balance initiatives, related outcomes and moderating factors in the business, social and cultural context of the Emirates. Employee and management perspectives are investigated to arrive at common and differing themes and meaningful conclusions. A research model is proposed for future research in this direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarized an overview of energy balance and greenhouse gas emissions at UAE in order to prompt renewable and sustainable energy practices. Electricity demand has been increasing dramatically in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the last decade. Electricity production increased 5.39 TWh each year from 2000 (39.9 TWh) to 2013 (110 TWh), which means an annual increase of more than 13.5%. The electric power consumption has increased 5.14 TWh each year in the same period; which is 13.3% each year. The electricity consumption per capita is an indicator that places UAE in the group of highest consumption countries worldwide; namely, UAE ranks 10th in 2012 with 10.13 MWh per capita. UAE׳s population and economic growth are the main causes of a sharp increase in energy demand. On the other hand, UAE ranked 25th worldwide for CO 2 emissions. However, UAE is not in the top pollutant countries in the world with respect to CO 2 emissions per capita. More specifically, UAE has dropped from the 2nd position in the period 2000–2004 to 8th in 2010 and in year 2013 occupied again 2nd position among the global most pollutant countries. On the other hand, UAE has huge amount of available solar resources; the active and passive use of solar energy could be an approach to reduce even more the fossil energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions. It is essential to define the future role of the different sources of energy and to outline the required steps to move into a sustainable future energy system. These may achieve environmentally sustainable power development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to foster understanding and development of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, to develop a generic framework to assess renewable energy readiness (RE-readiness) of GCC countries as a case study and to calculate a country’s RE-readiness score and discuss the associated gaps and strengths. Towards achieving these objectives, this study essentially serves as a “benchmark” to assess each country’s RE-readiness, identifying gaps and providing recommendations to overcome the main barriers to integrate renewable energy projects for power generation. The RE-readiness assessment framework has been developed by identifying the dominant barriers and supporting mechanisms for the deployment of RETs and then creating quantitative factors to rate their intensity. It organizes the factors according to the pillars of infrastructure, institutions, and human capital. Each factor is assigned a weight and a score between 1 and 7, with 1 being the lowest and 7 the highest readiness. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) receives the highest score of 4.75 out of 7 while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) gets a slightly lower 4.60. The RE-readiness index shows that compared to the other countries, the UAE and the KSA are more ready to integrate RETs for power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy storage for medium- to large-scale applications is an important aspect of balancing demand and supply cycles. Hydropower generation coupled with pumped hydro storage is an old but effective supply/demand buffer that is a function of the availability of a freshwater resource and the ability to construct an elevated water reservoir. This work reviews the technological feasibility of hydropower generation and also pumped hydro storage and its geographical distribution around the world. There is also an emphasis on installations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in terms of available capacity as well as past and future developments and expansions. A discussion is presented on a project taking place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Hatta region, which has a water reservoir that would be fit for utilization for pumped hydro storage applications. Once the project is commissioned in 2024, it will provide an estimated 2.06 TWh per year, helping the UAE achieve the goal of relying on 25% renewable energy resources in their energy mix by 2030. These results were obtained by using EnergyPLAN software to project the effect of utilizing various energy resources to face the expected demand of ~38 TWh in 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The development of geothermal energy application as a part of Germany’s renewable energy portfolio is a multidimensional process with fast growing improvements. In this paper basic information on geothermal application in low-enthalpy regions, such as Germany and Abu Dhabi are given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The potential for a 10 MW photovoltaic power plant in Abu Dhabi is examined in this paper using RETScreen modeling software to predict energy production, financial feasibility and GHG emissions reductions. Initial results show high energy production potential, generating 24 GWh and saving over 10,000 tons of GHG emissions annually, but poor financial prospects yielding a net present value (NPV) of −$51 million. Benefits of reducing GHG and air pollution emissions by replacing natural gas with PV generation are calculated to have a net present value of $47 million, with a large range of possible values. Results show that the high initial costs and low expected price for electricity generated are driving reasons why photovoltaic systems are not being implemented in Abu Dhabi. A feed-in tariff rate of $0.16/kWh is recommended to make large-scale PV systems profitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Climate change, global warming and the increasing in oil price are issues that concern everyone lately. Renewable energy is the solution for a safe and efficient environment for the new generations. Renewable energy sources are sustainable and are zero carbon emission. In order to deploy these sources efficiently, expertise in this field must be provided. This is accomplished by educating the young generations to all related issues regarding these sources and the related technologies. This paper describes the experience of introducing renewable energy in the curriculum for undergraduate students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the steps taken to enhance the learning process. It only represents the first stage of implementing green energy education into an engineering technology program and highlights the impact of this experience on the students with respect to the environment and the community. Such experience is an example that can be followed in order to promote renewable energy technologies and to develop the expertise in this field in a country that has just started to embrace renewable energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents actual measurements of direct solar radiation in Abu Dhabi (24.43°N, 54.45°E) with the existing meteorological conditions encountered during the measurement throughout the year. High resolution, real-time solar radiation and other meteorological data were collected and processed. Daily and monthly statistics of direct solar radiation were calculated from the one-minute average recorded by a Middleton Solar DN5-E Pyroheliometer. The highest daily and monthly mean solar radiation values were recorded as 730 and 493.5W/m2, respectively. The highest one-minute average daily solar radiation was recorded as 937W/m2. In addition to direct beam radiation, the daily average clearness indexes, surface temperature variations, wind speeds and relative humidity variations are discussed. When possible, direct beam radiation and some meteorological data are compared with corresponding data of the 22-year average of NASA''s surface meteorology and solar-energy model. The measured data (direct beam radiation and meteorological) are in close agreement with the NASA SSE model with some discrepancy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the move of Abu Dhabi to seize the opportunities of climate-change on the international agenda with its alternative-energy initiatives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It states that Abu Dhabi has chosen the proactive domestic approach of mitigating climate change despite its massive fossil-fuel reserves. It notes that the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co. has initiated to position the UAE among the world's leading countries in green technology and energy. It adds that Abu Dhabi has positioned to be the first Arab state with a civilian nuclear energy program by 2020.

• Palm date seeds were pyrolyzed under microwave (MW) using different parameters. • Effects of particle size, moisture, and MW power on bio-syngas yields were examined. • Fine dry biomass particles are generally preferred for CO and CH4 production. • Nonlinear models of CO and CH4 yields were produced through statistical analysis. Energy has been essential for the human society, and since the 1700s, the growing need for energy has outstripped the available sources owing to social development and increased use of machines. Biomass as a renewable resource of energy has attracted current research interest. Thermochemical conversion of waste biomass into bio-syngas supports energy needs and provides a better solution for waste management as the economic appraisal of any nation depends on the available energy. In this paper, microwave pyrolysis of the most abundant agricultural waste found in UAE, the Allig date seed pits, is evaluated for bio-syngas production. A full factorial parametric study was performed based on different particle sizes, microwave powers and moisture contents. The syngas yield and the pyrolysis temperature were experimentally analyzed. The experimental result revealed that the maximum bio-syngas was attained at a1000W microwave power, 467 μm particle size and a dry sample, which were producing CH 4 and CO bio-gas yield with 21 vol% and 15 vol% respectively. Hence, Allig date seed pits as a biomass in the microwave pyrolysis process may be a promising source of sustainable power for industrial and consumer applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global warming has risen as a primary global concern. It has stimulated interest in the development of the renewable energy (RE) system. Studies demonstrated that the regions of Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kingdom Saudi Arabia (KSA), and United Arab Emirates (UAE) face several changes in the form of uncertain weather conditions. Given the strategic location of the Gulf States and its enormous oil and natural resource, it is characterized to hold potential for using renewable energies such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy for meeting the power production needs. Previous studies suggested that energy consumptions such as crude oil and fossil fuels are the major sources of providing economic benefits to the states. The high oil price, deterioration of the financial markets, and incident of Arab Spring has shifted the working at a national and international level, making it important in using RE resources to generate excessive energy. The primary focus was to explore the scope of energy efficiency (EE) and the use of solar, wind and geothermal energy resources given their proliferation potential for the GCC region. The review assessed the energy and electricity consumption trends in the region. Also, it discussed the problems related to the effects of dust accumulation on devices. Moreover, it also highlighted the use of various computer interfaces that demonstrate the feasibility to use various RE technologies. Further, it draws conclusions and recommendations based on the issues. Abbreviation: A/CAir Conditioning AGHE Air-Ground Heat Exchanger CF capacity factor CPVC oncentrated Photovoltaic CSP Concentrated Solar power DHI Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance DNI Direct Normal Irradiance DEWA Dubai Electricity and Water Authority EE energy efficiency EER energy efficiency ratio GHI Global Horizontal Irradiance GHE Ground Heat Exchanger GSHPs Ground Source Heat Pump system GCC Gulf Corporation Council ISCC Integrated Solar Combined Cycle IRENA International Renewable Energy Agency KAUST King Abdullah University of Science and Technology KSA Kingdom Saudi Arabia MPPT Maximum power point tracking NPV net present value OECD Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development PV photovoltaic PV/T photovoltaic/therma lR Erenewable energy RC RANKEN cycle SWH solar water heater SWOT strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat TOU Time-of use TPES Total primary energy supply UAE United Arab Emirates VAV Variable Air Volume VGSHPs Vertical Ground Source Heat Pump system [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed at identifying the parameters influencing the extraction efficiency and polysaccharide yields from dried biomass of Sargassum muticum using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Factors found to positively influence the extraction outcome were sample quantity, solvent composition, ultrasonic horn type, horn immersion depth, extraction time, and sonication amplitude (duty cycle). Pulsed ultrasound treatment was found to be highly effective as compared to continuous treatment. The extraction efficiency was significantly improved by using 0.03 M HCl as extractant. Optimization of UAE parameters led to the development of a rapid, cost-effective, energy-efficient approach yielding 24.8% -1.28% polysaccharide on dry weight basis, as compared to 11.08% -0.78% by conventional extraction employing hot reflux after three cycles. The yield obtained by UAE is at least 3.5 times higher than the reported yield of 7% DW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades the United Arab Emirates has been a major producer and consumer of oil. There has been a major surge in consumption over the last ten years, without a corresponding increase in production. Despite its massive oil deposits, Abu Dhabi has recently invested substantial resources in pursuing nuclear power and renewable energy. This essay examines the drives behind this strategy and analyses both the nuclear and renewable initiatives, arguing that, despite legitimate reasons to “go nuclear” and “go clean”, there is no guarantee that all these schemes will come to fruition. It may be equally important to focus on the high level of energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]