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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: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries present abundant solar potential, which to some extent has been exploited for electricity production. However, the largest part of this potential remains still unexploited. The scope of this paper is to present the best practices in exploiting solar energy in selected MENA countries. First the general structure of energy market related to Renewable Energy Sources (RES) for each analyzed country is presented. Then the exploitation of solar energy via PVs with special focus to the achievements in rural electrification, which could be used as a paradigm for other countries with similar problems, is displayed. MENA countries are promising for the wide application of concentrating solar plants (CSP), as recent research has shown, and some interesting applications in this area, also presented in this paper, have started being implemented. [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]