The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) nations have set an ambitious renewable energy target — they want to triple green power capacity by 2030. The projects would be an inspiring and groundbreaking revolution for the region’s capacity. It could be the first of many similar initiatives worldwide, even in your hometowns.
The Scope of Solar’s Impact on MENA Nations
MENA had 53 gigawatts of renewable energy potential in 2023 and a goal of 150 GW by the turn of the decade. Around 75 GW will be solar photovoltaic, with Saudi Arabia investing over 40% of the total expansion. Its Al Shuaiba 2 project is underway and will produce 2 gigawatts.
Wind and hydrogen will be the supplementary assets. Other major players include Oman, Iraq, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates.
Stakeholders noticed how much solar exposure these geographies have, leveraging the most lucrative clean electricity generator possible. The project has a high chance of succeeding because the countries leaned into what is most bioavailable to them — the sun.
It is one of many reasons why project bids are so competitive in these areas. The countries also have tons of land to capitalize on for solar initiatives. Some national leaders are investing upward of $45 billion to make the clean energy transition a reality for the MENA region.
The Smart Localization Efforts
Countries like Jordan have lower renewable capacity, but they still need to reach a target to contribute to MENA’s holistic goal. It has 2.6 GW and only needs to reach 3.2 GW to fulfill its obligation. Other nations have loftier benchmarks, but manufacturing accessibility has informed the energy transition’s plans.
Governments and collaborators must establish manufacturing and production in each region, like in Jordan. This is how everyone can contribute to the cause based on the scale of their facilities. MENA wants makers to build and assemble components on home soil, letting them be in charge of gradually deploying more technologies.
The nations with the most monumental infrastructure can promise impressive numbers. At the same time, countries with less output can still make as much of a difference in the context of how much manufacturing infrastructure they have.
The Takeaways for the Rest of the World
Nations aspiring to these levels of renewable expansion can apply MENA’s strategy. These are the most valuable takeaways you can learn from their commitment to clean power.
Use What is Available
MENA knows its geography makes it a prime solar generator, which is why most of its investments are in panels. Other countries must evaluate their natural resources, such as China’s accessibility to offshore wind or Iceland’s immense geothermal power from volcanoes. If officials and corporations in your area chose accessible generators, the planet could reach 90% renewable energy by 2050.
Solar may be the answer for some places but not others, so copying the renewable energy strategy and applying it to every other nation is a flawed technique. It has to be curated for the most accessible resources while supplementing it with other well-funded, inexpensive options.
Diversify Assets
While solar energy is the primary driver of this shift, MENA knows that other generators must accompany it. Otherwise, the project’s long-term sustainability may become impractical if widespread failures or infrastructure destruction occur. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you could expect 18% of homes to have solar by 2032, but other assets like wind and biomass will add to overall capacity.
It also opens the door for countries to experiment with up-and-coming prospects, like hydrogen, making them pioneers in what could be one of the best future renewable energy options.
Make Parts at Home
Each jurisdiction’s expectations are dependent on its manufacturing capacity. Everyone is in charge of distribution and installation. The increased agency streamlines deployment by preventing unnecessary supply chain disruptions, like shipping parts from country to country or having long lead times to move workers from one place to another.
The objective is to make every country capable by giving it foundational resources so everyone works independently to achieve ambitious yet reasonable goals.
Overcome Supply Barriers
While MENA is trying to promote homemade parts, most of the planet — even outside of MENA — still relies on China as the leading supplier for all things solar. It harnesses so many essential materials and produces a great deal of technology. Racing to the 2030 goalpost means MENA is willing to test ways to overcome this supply chain dependence.
Challenge Fossil Fuels
MENA has a strong fossil fuel presence. Economic factors have built it into the empire it is today, making it hard to dismantle. Introducing a competitor, like solar, that intends to eliminate the authority of fossil fuels is dangerous. It is met with much resistance from corporate and legislative stakeholders with years of interest in oil’s success.
However, setting the 75 GW target provides accountability. It forces organizations to train workers, expand regardless of resistance and spread awareness of its benefits for MENA. It has inspired additional projects, like the Desertec concept, which joins Europe’s efforts with Africa and the Middle East to separate themselves from oil-based income. It uses scientific evidence to educate the public and investors on how lucrative desert regions are for the global transition.
The New Solar Role Model
MENA could set the standard for internationally collaborative renewable energy projects before the next decade. Achieving the solar installations alone would be a massive achievement, and investing in additional capacity would be even more life-changing for these nations’ citizens.
It should motivate you and your community to move forward with energy transitions, whether grid modernization or research into the newest solar thin-film trend. Every project is worth the time, leading to a more energetically balanced and sustainable world for future generations.
