An efficient way to keep the Gulf cool - FT.com

Air conditioning is a necessity in the Gulf, where summer temperatures regularly soar into the 40s and 50s.
It is a costly essential, however, because of cold air systems’ high electricity use. The cooling systems that keep buildings functioning consume half of total electricity output in Gulf Co-operation Council countries.
That means a yearly fuel opportunity cost of roughly $20bn. Indeed, air conditioning is the main determinant of regional power requirements, some 70 per cent of peak-period electricity consumption. But despite it being crucial to commercial and residential wellbeing, GCC governments have not regarded its provision as requiring public policy and planning.

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