Dynamic change is taking place in the global energy sector, with renewable energy becoming mainstream in many countries, the MENA region needs to embrace this clean energy innovation and keep up pace with the rest of the world by transitioning to a clean energy future.
The global expansion in renewable energy has meant substantial falls in costs, so that solar PV and wind power are now cost competitive with new coal in most regions. This is despite a global subsidy system weighted in favour of fossil fuels, which according to the IEA receive an annual subsidy of US$550 billion, more than twice the subsidy for renewables. Even with the 45% drop in oil prices witnessed in 2014, solar power remains competitive in the region[1].
However in the MENA region fossil fuels are still the dominant energy supply for electricity, and fossil fuels subsidies also play an important role in the region at stopping any real effort in investing in clean energy alternatives.
“The conference of Parties presents our leaders with the opportunity to take critical action, such as investing in clean energy and the removal of legal and structural obstacles by creating detailed national energy plans that facilitate a fast transition to a 100% renewable energy system. This is essential if we are to keep average temperature rises to no more than 1.5 or 2 degrees C,” said Safa’ al Jayoussi, Head of climate campaign at IndyACT & CAN Arab World Coordinator.
There are encouraging signs, in 2014, a record number of solar projects were awarded in the Middle East with a combined capacity of 294 MW, a four-fold increase over the previous seven years combined[2]. However this is still insufficient to tackle climate change.
An energy transition is well within the reach, according to Greenpeace’s Energy [R]evolution scenario, published in September. By 2050, 93% of the electricity produced in Middle East could be from renewable energy sources in the ‘basic’ Energy [R]evolution scenario. New renewables – mainly wind, Pv, CSP and geothermal energy – would contribute 86% of the total electricity generation. Already by 2020 the share of renewable electricity production would be 14% and 52% by 2030. Under a more advanced scenario, 100% electricity supply from renewable energy resources, or around 1,510 GW installed generation capacity is possible by 2050[3].
Whilst the Middle East’s emissions of CO2 will double between 2012 and 2050 if business as usual continues, under the Energy [R]evolution scenario this would decrease from 1,670 million tonnes in 2012 to 294 million tonnes in 2050. By 2050, the region’s CO2 emissions would be 47% below 1990 levels, while energy consumption is fully decarbonised in the Advanced case[4].
“With all this potential within our grasp, we are urging the regional governments to start taking immediate remedial action by baking projects that cover peak energy demand, help get energy to people without by investing in distributed off grid projects and in turn support the growing renewable energy employment opportunities,” added al Jayoussi.
[1] MENA Solar Outlook http://www.mesia.com/wp-content/uploads/Mesia-Rev3-5.pdf
[2] REN21 http://www10.iadb.org/intal/intalcdi/PE/2014/14403.pdf
[3] Greenpeace International Energy [R]evolution, 2015, Teske et al, pp134-143. www.greenpeace.org/energyrevolution
[4] Idem.
