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• Electricity, the most direct and effective use of RES, is in center of energy transition. • An interdisciplinary procedure suitable for the planning of RES is presented. • Key points and procedures for the assessment of large-scale RES installation is presented. • Simulation on Eygiption case shows the technical and economical viability. Due to the environmental impacts brought by current energy schemes, the energy transition, a new paradigm shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, has been widely accepted and is being realized through collective international, regional, and local efforts. Electricity, as the most direct and effective use of renewable energy sources (RES), plays a key role in the energy transition. In this paper, we first discuss a viable pathway to energy transition through the electricity triangle, highlighting the role of RES in electricity generation. Further, we propose methodologies for the planning of wind and solar PV, as well as how to address their uncertainty in generation expansion problems. Finally, by using a web-based tool, "RES-PLAT" 1 1 https://res-plat.est.polito.it. , we demonstrate the scheme in a case study in Egypt, which evaluates the impacts and benefits of a large-scale RES expansion. 2 2 The short version of the paper was presented at Applied Energy Symposium: MIT A+ B, August 13–14, Boston. This paper is a substantial extension of the short version of the conference paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy is an important input for national socio-economic development. The current trends of energy supply and demand are not sustainable because of the expected huge gap between demand and supply in the future. The fossil fuels resources are limited and use of these fuels has a negative impact in the environment. Holding energy at a secure level and global climate at a safe level require integration of renewable energy technologies (RETs) in the energy supply-mix. Development of RETs in a country depends on its renewable energy readiness (RE-Readiness) that indicates the gaps and strengths of their development. In light of the various initiatives proposed to turn North Africa into a renewable energy producer and extend its electricity supply to its neighboring European counties, it demands to assess the RE-Readiness. The main object of this paper is to develop and disseminate an assessment framework to find North African countries RE-Readiness for deployment of RETs. This framework is adopted in which the paper applies a consistent methodology across all the North African countries׳ to assess the present state of infrastructure, institutions and human capital factors to adopt and deploy RETs. Each of the factors is assigned a weight and a score between 1 and 7, with 1 being the lowest and 7 the highest score. From this developed assessment framework, it is found Morocco received the highest RE-Readiness score means that the country is more ready to invest in RETs than the other countries in North Africa. This assessment identifies the gaps and strengths for the deployment of RETs in these countries and serves as a first step towards proposing renewable energy diffusion strategies that will contribute to their environmental, social and economic development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper uses panel cointegration techniques and Granger causality tests to investigate the dynamic causal links between per capita renewable energy consumption, agricultural value added (AVA), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions, and real gross domestic product (GDP) for a panel of five North Africa countries spanning the period 1980–2011. In the short-run, Granger causality tests show the existence of bidirectional causality between CO 2 emissions and agriculture; a unidirectional causality running from agriculture to GDP, from GDP to renewable energy consumption, and from renewable energy consumption to agriculture. In the long-run, there is bidirectional causality between agriculture and CO 2 emissions; a unidirectional causality running from renewable energy to agriculture and to emissions, and from output to agriculture and to emissions. Long-run parameter estimates show that an increase in GDP or in renewable energy consumption (including combustible and waste) increases CO 2 emissions, whereas an increase in agricultural value added reduces CO 2 emissions. As policy recommendation, North African authorities should encourage renewable energy consumption, and especially clean renewable energy such as solar or wind, as this improves agricultural production and help to combat global warming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]