In the heart of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a transformative shift is on the horizon, one that could redefine the energy landscape and slash carbon emissions. A groundbreaking study, led by Olusola Bamisile, a researcher affiliated with the Electrical Engineering Department at Chengdu University of Technology in China and the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, has unveiled the immense potential and cost-effectiveness of transitioning to low-carbon electricity sources in the MENA region.
The research, published in the journal Energy Strategy Reviews, which translates to Energy Policy Reviews in English, delves into the untapped potential of wind and solar power, offering a beacon of hope for a region long dominated by fossil fuels. Bamisile and his team have meticulously mapped out the electricity generation potential and associated costs of onshore and offshore wind power, as well as solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, using advanced wind and solar atlas datasets.
One of the standout findings is the remarkably low levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for these renewable sources. “We found that the average LCOE can be as low as US$40 per megawatt-hour for solar PV and US$45 per megawatt-hour for wind power,” Bamisile revealed. These figures, achieved in countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, underscore the economic viability of renewable energy in the MENA region.
The study goes beyond mere cost analysis, incorporating a multitude of factors such as water depth, distance from shore, wind speed, population density, and geographical location. This comprehensive approach provides a nuanced understanding of the region’s renewable energy potential, paving the way for informed decision-making and strategic investments.
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. The MENA region, with its abundant sunlight and wind resources, could become a global leader in renewable energy production. This transition would not only mitigate carbon emissions but also create new commercial opportunities, from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and operation of renewable energy infrastructure.
The research also highlights the need for tailored solutions, acknowledging the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each country in the MENA region. “One size does not fit all,” Bamisile emphasized, stressing the importance of considering local variables in renewable energy planning.
As the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, the MENA region stands at a crossroads. The findings of this study offer a roadmap for a sustainable energy future, one that is economically viable and environmentally responsible. The energy sector would do well to take heed, for the transition to low-carbon electricity is not just a possibility—it is a necessity. The future of energy in the MENA region is blowing in the wind and shining in the sun, and it is up to us to harness this power.