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With continuing uncertainty surrounding a successor global climate agreement to the Kyoto Protocol the development of indigenous renewable energy resources, and an associated transition away from the MENA region’s oil-dependent energy sector, is a policy priority if the MENA region is to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Ms Francesca Zerenghi-James, CEO of Navitas Resources Pte Ltd and co-author of the review, said, “Renewable Energy for the MENA region is critical going forward in order to help support the growing economies and population of the region, both for general power needs but also as energy is used to produce drinking water, it is imperative for the MENA region to accept and drive Renewable energy development to ensure Security of Water supplies for future generations.” Professor Tom James co-author of the review and a Director and Co-founder of Navitas Resources Pte Ltd in Singapore said, “the MENA region is rich in hydrocarbon energy right now but for many many billions of years will still be rich in Solar Energy. If harnessed properly along with other forms of Renewable energy the MENA region has the opportunity to be the largest single Renewable power supplier to Europe. A new revenue stream.”

The MENA Renewable Energy Review (http://www.mena-briefing.com) concludes that to develop a viable renewable energy sector, MENA governments will need to take a number of critical steps, including:

Develop a renewable energy strategy that positions the sector as a key element of the overall energy strategy;
Put in place an adequate institutional setting at the government level;
Develop a favorable policy and regulatory framework to promote the development and use of renewable energy;
Enable technical grid integration; and,
Develop long-term capabilities and a deep talent pool.

With the competitive landscape in the renewable energy sector is still evolving, those countries acting promptly could eventually become global leaders in the fast-developing renewable energy sector.

Jeremy Wilcox, Energy Partnership managing director and co-author of the review, added: “Many countries in the MENA region currently benefit from significant oil wealth, while a similar number have significant renewable resource potential. A policy of regional cooperation would provide the most efficient and cost effective transition toward a low carbon MENA economy. If countries with oil wealth invest in those countries that have the renewable resources, but lack the financial resources to realise this potential, then the region as a whole can benefit from a new sustainable energy future.”