Kuwait, one of the Middle East?s main oil producers which is facing internal electricity demand growing by about 8 per cent? a year ? much of it caused by heavy use of air conditioning systems ? has outlined the most ambitious target for using renewable energy seen in the Gulf region.

Saudi Electricity Co (SEC) reported a 6 per cent decline in its net profit in the third quarter due to higher costs of purchased energy and increased depreciation expenses.

Dubai?s Supreme Council of Energy (SCE)?will hold meetings with the UK Ministry of Energy to discuss partnerships between both countries in the energy field.

SEC is working on am ambitious US$80 billion investment programme to increase its power generation capacity by 30,000 MW by 2018. - Image : Arabian Bemco Contracting Co Ltd

Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and an unnamed Saudi company have signed a US$1.44 billion contract to develop 1,200 MW of power generation capacity at a plant in Riyadh.