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Start Over Topic electricity Topic renewable energy sources Region north africa
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1. Concentrating solar power in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa: achieving its potential.

Author

Pitz-Paal, R., Amin, A., Bettzüge, M., Eames, P., Fabrizi, F., Flamant, G., Novo, F. Garcia, Holmes, J., Kribus, A., van der Laan, H., Lopez, C., Papagiannakopoulos, P., Pihl, E., Smith, P., and Wagner, H-J.

Subjects
SOLAR energy, RENEWABLE energy sources, ELECTRICITY
Abstract

Concentrating solar power (CSP) is a commercially available renewable energy technology capable of harnessing the immense solar resource in Southern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (the MENA region), and elsewhere. This paper summarises the findings of a study by the European Academies Science Advisory Council which has examined the current status and development challenges of CSP, and consequently has evaluated the potential contribution of CSP in Europe and the MENA region to 2050. It identifies the actions that will be required by scientists, engineers, policy makers, politicians, business and investors alike, to enable this vast solar resource to make a major contribution to establishing a sustainable energy system. The study concludes that cost reductions of 50-60% in CSP electricity may reasonably be expected in the next 10-15 years, enabling the technology to be cost competitive with fossil-fired power generation at some point between 2020 and 2030. Incorporation of storage delivers added value in enabling CSP to deliver dispatchable power. Incentive schemes will be needed in Europe and MENA countries to enable this point to be achieved. Such schemes should reflect the true value of electricity to the grid, effectively drive R&D, and ensure transparency of performance and cost data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2012
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2. Renewable electricity finance in the resource-rich countries of the Middle East and North Africa: A case study on the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Author

Krupa, Joel, Poudineh, Rahmatallah, and Harvey, L.D. Danny

Subjects
*ELECTRICITY, *RENEWABLE energy sources, *POWER resources, *ENERGY economics
Abstract

Abstract Although renewables in the resource-rich countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are inconsequential contributors to regional total primary energy supply, recent project developments and overt support from a range of influential regional actors suggest a general trend towards a more environmentally sustainable electricity supply. This trend is driven just as much by economics as other factors, as rapidly falling renewable energy capital costs are complementing favourable policy environments, technical suitability, and concerns around the impacts of anthropogenic climate change and local pollution. Finance is an especially important consideration in this transition, yet it receives insufficient coverage. This paper seeks to remedy this deficiency of academic inquiry by highlighting the case of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to draw out broader implications for the region. We outline the factors that affect the financeability of projects, review the latest developments in renewable energy finance in the region, and present policy recommendations going forward. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • Renewable energy finance plays a critical role in reducing GCC renewable energy costs. • An overview of critical drivers of renewable energy finance is presented. • Three case studies in the GCC are used to draw out implications for MENA as a whole. • We provide recommendations for encouraging regional renewables finance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2019
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