# MENA Solar Energy Market Revolution and Its Global Impact - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/01/mena-solar-energy-market-revolution-and-its-global-impact/ - Published: 2013-01-17T00:41:00-05:00 - Author: greenguruguides ## MENA Solar Energy Market Poised to Surpass 3 Gigawatts Annually by 2015 The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly becoming a major player in the global solar energy market. According to a new 2013 industry report by the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA), solar energy in MENA markets were projected to exceed 3 gigawatts (GW) of annual installations by 2015. This marks a dramatic rise from previous years and signals a clear shift toward clean energy adoption in oil-rich economies. The report, titled Solar Outlook [Report](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/report-addresses-barriers-to-low-income-solar-ownership-in-vermont/) 2013, outlines the forces shaping this momentum. From national energy [reforms](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/01/solar-panel-energy-costs-of-next-generation-panels/) to plummeting panel prices, a perfect storm of conditions is driving rapid expansion in the region. ### A Strategic Shift with MENA Solar Energy Market: A Strategic Shift from Oil to Sun Historically, MENA solar energy market nations relied heavily on fossil fuels. Yet rising domestic energy demand and dwindling oil exports have forced [governments](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/philips-spacewise-led-system-selected-to-participate-in-gsas-green-proving-ground-program-for-potential-to-reduce-lighting-energy-and-operational-costs-by-50-to-75-percent/) to rethink their energy strategies. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Morocco are now investing billions into solar projects to [diversify](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/tesla-solar-energy-power-installed-new-roof/) energy supplies and preserve oil for export. At the same time, lower costs for [photovoltaic (PV) systems](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/innovative-solar-systems-for-limited-partnership-options/) have made solar more accessible than ever. Combined with the region’s high solar irradiance, this [technology](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/combining-solar-to-tesla-electric-cars-always-went-together-it-was-inevitable/) is now both economically and environmentally viable. ![A high resolution image of the noor ouarzazate solar complex in morocco showing vast rows of solar panels across a desert landscape with a concentrated solar power csp tower glowing in the background under a clear blue sky](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy. com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/8744B5E4-7711-4873-B003-4F9A40135B42.png?resize=780% 2C780&quality=50&ssl=1 "Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex in Morocco - The Green Living Guy") The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex in Moroccoone of the worlds largest solar projectscombines photovoltaic and concentrated [solar power](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/greenlots-announces-acquisition-by-shell-one-of-the-worlds-leading-energy-providers/) technologies to supply clean energy across North Africa ###   ###   ###   ###   ###   ###   ###   ### MENA Solar Energy Market Mix by Region As a result, solar is becoming a serious part of the MENA solar market region’s long-term [energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/how-realistic-is-a-100-solar-future/) mix. In some countries, it’s already cheaper than gas-fired electricity. ### Regional Leaders Emerge in the MENA Solar Energy Market While many MENA nations are just beginning to scale up solar development, a few have already [emerged as regional leaders](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/02/mississippi-emerging-as-regional-leader-in-energy-efficiency/). Saudi Arabia, for example, has announced [plans to deploy 41 gigawatts of solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/02/longi-plans-to-triple-its-wafer-capacity-to-45gw-by-2020/) capacity by 2032. The United Arab Emirates continues to expand projects like the massive [Shams 1](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/governor-cuomo-announced-2-76-mw-baldwinsville-solar-project-serving-anheuser-busch/) solar plant in Abu Dhabi. Morocco has also attracted global attention with its Ouarzazate Solar Complex, a large-scale, multi-phase project designed to generate hundreds of megawatts through a mix of [solar thermal and PV technologies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/technology-plus-environment-keeping-amazing-amounts-of-energy-off-grid-for-sustainable-future/). In North Africa, Egypt and Tunisia are accelerating [pilot projects and incentive programs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/04/new-york-solar-incentives-for-homeowners-and-businesses/) to tap into the region’s strong solar resources. ### Policy Support Fuels Growth One of the key findings from MESIA’s report is the [growing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/02/rocky-mountain-institute-to-help-drive-solar-adoption-in-colorado/) role of policy in driving solar adoption. Feed-in tariffs, [renewable energy targets](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/07/china-renewable-energy-surpasses-wind-solar-targets-five-years-early/), and public-private partnerships are helping lower risks for investors. In several countries, these tools are essential to ensure [solar becomes more than a political talking](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/08/merkel-seeks-solar-talks-preventing-anti-dumping-chinese-european-biz/) point. In addition, governments are starting to [integrate solar into national grids](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/12/sustainable-ferc-making-energy-policy-clearer/), expand net metering options, and establish bidding rounds for utility-scale projects. These efforts send a clear message: solar is here to stay. The [report also highlights](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/doe-electric-vehicle-report-highlights-major-advancements/) the importance of international partnerships. Organizations like Masdar in the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah City for Atomic and [Renewable Energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/ways-to-bring-green-living-into-your-home/)( KACARE) are teaming up with companies around the world to bring in the capital and expertise needed to deliver large-scale results. ### Economic Benefits Beyond MENA Solar Energy Market Beyond energy security, the [solar boom is creating](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/energy-breakthrough-uses-sun-to-create-solar-energy-materials/) economic opportunities. Local manufacturing of solar components, [job training programs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/01/solar-program-fort-drum-military-solar-industry/), and research centers are already taking shape. For example, new factories in Jordan and Dubai are producing PV [panels and mounting systems](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/06/5-home-solar-system-design-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/). Meanwhile, technical universities are launching [solar curriculum to build](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/rooftop-revolution-campaign-builds-on-companys-momentum-and-brings-online-sunshine-brand-to-life/) the workforce needed to maintain and expand these systems. The [economic ripple effects](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/07/fracking-study-economic-effects-on-southern-new-york/) are undeniable. As MENA nations [invest](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/04/energy-platform-connects-small-solar-farms-with-buyers/) in solar, they’re also investing in jobs, skills, and long-term innovation. ### Challenges Still Remain for the MENA Solar Energy Market Despite the [surge in interest](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/with-the-global-solar-energy-market-in-flux-and-many-countries-facing-economic-uncertainty-what-are-the-prospects-for-solar/), the MENA solar market faces challenges. Regulatory uncertainty, limited grid infrastructure, and fluctuating oil prices still affect investment decisions. Moreover, many [countries are still developing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/five-water-purification-designs-for-developing-countries/) the technical expertise needed to operate and maintain large solar facilities. However, the MESIA report is clear: the overall [trend points toward rapid solar growth](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/04/us-solar-market-growth-trends-for-2016/). With continued support and clear policy frameworks, MENA could soon become one of the [world’s largest solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/08/madhya-pradesh-solar-hosting-worlds-largest-solar-power-station/) markets. ### Final Word The [Solar Outlook Report 2013 offers](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/03/enercore-currently-offering-solar-garden-to-supply-residents-with-clean-energy-in-foxborough-and-hopkinton-massachusetts/) a snapshot of a region in transition. As MENA countries confront rising [energy needs and global pressure to reduce](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/07/arcelik-reduce-energy-45-sustainability-goals/) emissions, solar power is no longer a fringe option. It’s a rising force. With over 3 gigawatts projected annually by 2015, the region is poised to redefine its role in the global energy landscape—not just as a supplier of oil, but as a [leader in solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/08/ny-50-percent-clean-energy-standard/). #### Sources * International Energy Agency – MENA Renewable Market Outlook * Middle East Solar [Industry Association](https://www.mesia.com/) (MESIA) January 10, 2013 08:13 Source: Greentech Media BOSTON, Jan. 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) [New Report](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2013/01/10/515751/10017766/en/New-Report-MENA-Solar-Markets-to-Exceed-3-Gigawatts-Annually-by-2015.html): MENA Solar Markets to Exceed 3 Gigawatts Annually by 2015 ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4841837f2a0756d69aeaa2877e5646549fc845ec2f0ffc2804839152c38ba332? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenguruguides The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman, is recognized as a green living guru and electric car expert. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides, green business and electric vehicles. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenguruguides/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenguruguides/)