IF WE AGREE that hydrocarbons are finite, and that alternative solutions need to be researched, developed and implemented in our lifetimes, then it's heartwarming to see more than lip service finally being given to alternative energies in the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi's MASDAR project stands as the bench mark, as does its solar power plant - not only the first in the region, but the biggest in the world.

While there is also a great deal of talk about nuclear power in the region, it's a no-brainer that solar is surely worth investment, while wave power, hydrogen and other bio-fuels are certainly of great interest too.

Saudi Arabia may be planning multi-billion dollar investments in its energy infrastructure over the next five years, but it is impressively keen to develop alternative fuel sources, especially after the King suggested prudence in energy production and usage - to ensure there's energy for our children.

However, it is also a fairly obvious thought that moves towards domestic alternative energy supplies are not necessarily being developed for purely environmental reasons.

China and India's traditional energy requirements are increasing month by month, and while America is keen to develop self reliance in terms of energy production, the big producers in the Middle East have long known a simple point: demand for energy is switching from the west to the growing Asian economies.

Delivering crude by super-sized VLCCs to the energy hungry Indians and Chinese makes sense, and lots of profit, but at the risk of leaving a shortfall in your own domestic needs.

Hence the sudden, seeming rush of interest in alternative fuels.

While Middle East producers ship nearly every drop to Asia, they can provide their own energy needs through solar, wave, and wind.

And while the environmental lobby might be delighted, it seems that in the Middle East, at least, it's an acceptance of the current economic realities that has led them to develop greener fuels, and not some sense of environmental responsibility.

What do you think|? 

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