While the commercial and banking centre Dubai finds itself dealing with the aftermath of the economic crisis, the conservative neighbour Abu Dhabi is already pursuing ambitious targets - but the climate conditions in the desert states are not always ideal for the utilization of renewable energies.rnThe United Arab Emirates (UAE), founded in 1971, is a federation of seven Emirates situated along the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. At first glance, the high solar radiation levels found in the UAE appear to be ideal for the generation of solar energy. But the region's rich oil reserves leave few opportunities for renewable energy. Besides the lack of financial incentives, the climatic conditions are an additional obstacle. Especially sand drifts and the high levels of air humidity during the winter months affect the efficiency of solar modules and concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. However, elevated oil prices prior to the financial crisis along with the current price predictions now seem to be causing rethinking in the UAE. Hopes are that renewable energies will help secure the region's oil reserves for profitable exports.
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