Clearly, the region’s solar resource is significant, far exceeding its electricity demand. To date, however, the significant potential for renewable resources in the region has remained largely untapped; with the flagship project for the region, Desertec, still only on the drawing board for example.
However things are set to change with the current Spanish crisis destabilising one of the leading solar markets, and USA regulatory hurdles making solar development a pain staking process with weighty financial burdens.
“The time has come for the MENA region to deliver on its promise, and 2011 is the year we can expect the market to significantly move forward,” claims one expert from market intelligence provider, CSP Today. Company heavyweights such as CH2MHill, WorleyParsons, AREVA, Siemens, ABB, Schott, Abengoa & Acciona are not only closely monitoring the opportunities presented in the North Africa and Middle East market, but are active players positioning themselves for when the industry explodes.
According to a report by the Electrical Engineering Department at King Saud University (Saudi Arabia), the Middle East receives 3,000-3,500 hours of sunshine per year, with more than 5.0 kW/m2 of solar energy per day. With demand for energy rising, this excellent solar resource provides a golden opportunity for concentrating solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) technologies including concentrated solar photovoltaics (CPV) and thin film to take to the stage.
Solar power for 300 million people
The European Photovoltaic Industry Association for example compiled an accelerated scenario for 66 sunbelt countries based within 35° of the Equator, concluding that the installed solar PV capacity could reach 405 GW by 2030, bringing electricity to around 300 million people and make up 2.5-6% of the sunbelt’s overall power generation.
Interestingly, amongst the new CSP markets, the largest build-up of CSP capacity expected will be in MENA. 1,430 MW of projects have been announced, with total investment in North Africa predicted to reach $5.6 billion, tripling current investment in CSP technology. In a scenario prepared by the International Energy Agency, North Africa would most likely export about half its production to Europe, making this an important region politically and commercially.
A solar revolution?
In 2009 and 2010, countries across North Africa and Middle East publically demonstrated their eagerness to harness their solar energy, become a solar hub and export the power to Europe. In May, leaders in the solar industry will come together in Morocco to discuss these opportunities at the MENASOL 2011 solar conference and expo. Organisers are expecting over 350 leading solar executives from around the globe making this “the place to receive business critical market intelligence and analysis from the very best in the industry”.
The organisers of MENASOL 2011 have published a country profile report detailing the public and private initiatives in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE, which help paint a picture of the future of solar power in this up-and-coming region.
“Without a doubt, the MENA region is on the fast track to becoming a centre of solar power innovation and generation,” says CSP Today, adding. “There are challenges, including regulatory hurdles, financial issues, solar resource, and technical problems. But there are solutions…”
MENASOL 2011, the 3rd North Africa & Middle East Solar Conference & Expo, takes place on 4 and 5 May in Morocco.
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