The so-called GCC-EU Clean Energy Network will create a permanent network of institutions from the GCC and the EU to develop cooperation on clean energy, according to top EU officials who gave an overview of the project in Riyadh on Saturday.

"The two sides are working to create the network of GCC and EU entities, including universities, research institutes, industries and utilities, to support and work on topics of mutual interest in the area of clean energy," said Faouzi Bensarsa, energy counselor at the Brussels-based European Commission.

The project includes joint cooperation in capacity-building events, joint research activities and creating a platform to disseminate information in the area of clean energy.

The energy network is "the practical instrument for development of concrete cooperation" activities on clean energy, including the related policy and technology aspects, among various players across the EU and GCC countires, said Tomas Dupla Del Moral, director for Middle East Affairs at the European Commission.

Referring to the main areas of cooperation under this project, a project booklet said the focus of the Clean Energy Network would be renewable energy sources, energy demand, energy efficiency, clean natural gas, clean technologies, electricity interconnections, market integration and carbon capture and storage.