Introduction

For the last few decades, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have thrived on the hydrocarbon economy to become key players in the energy market. During this time-period, two important issues have emerged: first, the rapid rise of energy demand in the region, and second, the rise of carbon emissions per capita. These two issues have drawn considerable attention to Clean Energy Solution (CES) and its ability to diversify the GCC's energy portfolio. The abundance and availability of natural resources like tapping solar and wind energy across the GCC countries has made the region attractive for low-carbon energy technologies. In line with this, the region has set a course to direct their economic wealth for the development and deployment of green energy technologies. This includes the solar and wind energy projects laid out by the UAE and KSA, as part of energy diversification.

Presently, the GCC countries are home to a majority of the world's hydrocarbon reserves, and own about 40% and 23% of the global oil and gas proven reserves, respectively (Reiche, 2010). GCC countries have committed themselves to longterm contracts with regional and international trading countries as hydrocarbons suppliers. These long-term contracts can have their disadvantages. For instance, extraction of natural resources like oil and gas have led the GCC countries like Qatar, Kuwait and UAE, to drive up their per capita carbon emissions (WWF, 2012). While the UAE and Kuwait have become net natural gas importers (BP, 2011). This portrays the challenge facing the region. How can GCC countries develop a mix of energy technologies to satisfy it short and medium term energy demands?

The development of CES in the GCC countries is fast emerging as a viable solution for multiple economic and social reasons. Luomi (2009) points out that economic diversification, domestic energy security and political legitimacy could avoid political unrest witnessed in the region. The deployment of CES can ensure the freeing up of future oil and gas necessary for domestic consumption. Environmental benefits of reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions would complement the region's plan for sustainable growth and development.