In the realm of energy research, oil-producing nations take center stage in the Arab world, notably in renewables, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. While Saudi Arabia and Egypt lead in sheer output, considering population size, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates emerge as the most prolific publishers on energy-related topics.
The Arab States have elevated their global share of research on cleaner fossil fuel technology to 3.3%, a notable feat for a region dominated by major oil and gas producers. Iraq stands out for the fastest growth rate in countries with over 1,000 publications on energy from 2012 to 2019, experiencing a remarkable 530% surge in scientific output.
Despite regional growth, research expenditure in most Arab countries remains below 1% of GDP, with exceptions in Egypt (0.96% in 2021, up from 0.53% in 2011) and the UAE (1.50% in 2021, up from 0.49% in 2011). The Arab States, comprising 5.3% of the global population, contribute only 1.2% to global research spending.
The UNESCO Science Report (2021) sheds light on the Arab region’s significant contributions to key energy topics, emphasizing cleaner fossil fuel technology and the remarkable doubling of scientific output in renewable energy fields from 2012 to 2019. This includes advancements in solar photovoltaics, wind turbine technologies, biofuels, biomass, and smart-grid technologies.
Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Iraq, lead global research on solar photovoltaics, showcasing substantial growth. The UAE stands out in wind turbine technologies, contributing over 7% to global scientific output in this domain.
As ambitious targets for renewable energy emerge, countries like Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Kuwait, and Oman outline strategies for substantial contributions. The UNESCO report emphasizes the pivotal role of scientific research in steering Arab nations towards green policy directions, particularly in smart-grid technologies and sustainable transportation.
The report underscores the burgeoning interest in desalination research, growing by 50% between 2012 and 2019. Efforts to make desalination ‘greener’ are evident, with Saudi Arabia’s solar-powered desalination plant near Al Khafji City serving as a pioneering example.
The narrative extends to sustainable cities’ development in Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, aligning with the broader commitment to renewable energy. With UNESCO insights, Arab nations navigate the path towards a sustainable and innovation-driven future, with organizations like the Islamic Development Bank actively pivoting towards science to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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