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Abstract: Several European initiatives consider the electrical integration of the Euro-Mediterranean region a key priority for meeting future European Union (EU) energy policy goals. Ambitious plans include the development of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the region as well as transmission interconnectors between the two shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The success of such initiatives, in addition to several techno-economic, political, environmental, regulatory and financial obstacles, depends on the ability of the European electricity network to suitably accommodate large electricity imports from North Africa. In order to address the issue, this paper, based on the combination of two methodologies, presents a first techno-economic analysis of the effects of electricity imports from North Africa on the European and the Italian power systems in 2030. Within a common framework, the adopted approach has proved its feasibility with coherent results showing a decrease in electricity prices in Europe. The European study shows how net electricity exchanges tend to follow the direction from South to North. The impact of North-African electricity on the Italian system is relevant. Also, Italy''s potential of becoming a Mediterranean electricity hub is emphasised. National internal grid congestion results to be a crucial issue for the Euro-Mediterranean electrical integration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Climate protection targets for mid-century imply a need to scale up European renewable power production to a level that may exceed the available land area within Europe''s borders. One attractive solution, from a cost and feasibility perspective, is the development of large-scale concentrating solar power plants in North Africa and the Middle East. However, these developments are seen by many people as risky, in terms of both European energy security, and in terms of the risks faced by project developers. In this paper, we focus on the latter of theses issues. First, we examine the risks that project developers are most concerned about, and identify these as being associated not with terrorism and rogue state behavior, but rather with corruption and inefficient and unpredictable bureaucracies. Second, we identify a range of policy approaches that can reduce these risks, either by mitigating their consequences, or by seeking to eliminate their underlying causes. Third, we investigate the financial benefits of taking such steps to reduce or eliminate investment risks. We find the potential savings to European electricity consumers to exceed €200 billion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]