GCC decarbonisation: new technologies could spur regional transition

COP26 Regional Ambassador for the Middle East and Africa, Janet Rogan will brief Asia House Corporate Members on 15 September. Ahead of the discussion, Asia House Middle East Associate Freddie Neve takes stock of recent green policy developments in the region, and argues that more investment is needed to support the Gulf’s vision for global decarbonisation.

Freddie Neve
Asia House Middle East Associate
Freddie leads the Asia House Middle East Programme, convening briefings and events with leading business and policy figures and conducting research focused on the region.

Key takeaways

• Gulf states have increased investments in renewable energy and are broadening their engagement with international and intraregional climate change dialogue.
• No GCC country has yet made a pledge towards net-zero, but there are signs that newer and more ambitious climate change targets could be announced soon.
• The Gulf states’ vision is one where they still export hydrocarbons, with the negative environmental impact of the associated emissions reduced by Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage technologies (CCUS).
• Investment in renewables and electrification is important. Equally, funding CCUS is essential given that global oil demand will stay resilient.

READ THE FULL RESEARCH BRIEFING