COP18 (03/12/12) – Eicke R. Weber, director, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems explains how Germany’s support for renewables has provided a potent economic stimulus.

Weber says more than 380,000 jobs have been created and the solar sector alone has attracted €30bn of private investment.

The potential in the Middle East is even greater he says given that three key ingredients to kick start the industry are sun, sand and the availability of cash for upfront investments. The ready availability of all three means that Qatar, UAE and Saudi Arabia are the forefront of a solar revolution, says Weber.