Add Row 
Add 
Unleashing Solar Power: MENA's Green Revolution by 2040
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is on the brink of what could be one of the most transformative transitions in global energy, as it aims to add a staggering 860 GW of solar capacity by 2040. According to a recent report by DNV, renewable energy, particularly solar power, is set to emerge as the dominant electricity source in the region, propelled by its geographical advantages and economic imperatives.
Skyrocketing Potential of Solar Energy
Currently boasting 76 GW of solar capacity as of 2024, MENA is expected to double its installations by the end of 2026. This growth trajectory indicates that the region will reach 343 GW by 2029, supplying 19% of its electricity demand. The advantage lies in the region's ability for peak solar supply to align with peak electricity demand, a direct result of extensive space cooling needs during scorching summers.
Utility-Scale Projects Leading the Charge
The momentum is primarily driven by utility-scale projects, which are set to grow larger and more numerous. By 2030, it is anticipated that 80% of solar projects completed will exceed 1 GW in capacity, a significant leap from just 20% at the beginning of the decade. This large-scale move toward solar and its integration with energy storage solutions marks an essential evolution in energy strategy, as DNV forecasts that co-located energy storage will become the norm.
The Role of Energy Storage in Enhancing Grid Reliability
Today, the MENA region has only 36 GWh of energy storage capacity, equating to a mere 1.4% of global capacity. However, projections indicate that this will experience rapid growth, potentially increasing tenfold by 2030 and reaching 9.5 TWh by 2060. Such advancements are crucial for grid stability, as the combination of solar and energy storage technologies becomes vital for managing supply variability.
Future Demand Surge: From Buildings to Electric Vehicles
The demand landscape for electricity will continue to shift significantly by 2040. Initially focused on buildings for space cooling and desalination, it is projected that post-2040, factors like the rising use of electric vehicles, AI data centers, and the burgeoning green hydrogen market will drive an additional 2.2 TW of installed solar and wind capacity. By 2060, almost all electricity generated in the region is expected to be non-fossil fuels.
Addressing Challenges in Energy Transition
Despite the optimistic forecasts, challenges remain. Current electricity demand may outstrip installed renewable capacity until around 2040, with natural gas maintaining a key role in the energy mix. Furthermore, while MENA's modern grid infrastructure supports significant renewable growth, it may become a bottleneck if upgrades do not keep pace with increasing capacity, especially after 2035.
The promise of a greener, renewable-based energy economy is no longer a distant fantasy for the MENA region. As the solar power infrastructure develops, it not only aligns with global shifts toward eco-friendly power but also holds the potential to reshape the energy landscape profoundly. For stakeholders in the region, these insights point toward opportunities and strategies vital for sustainable growth.
Write A Comment