MENA's Solar Energy Adoption to Skyrocket by 2035, Led by UAE and Morocco
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is set to significantly boost its solar energy adoption, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco leading the charge. This shift, driven by strategic efforts to diversify energy sources and meet growing demand, could see the solar PV capacity target soar from 18 GW in 2023 to 220-450 GW by 2035.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE is actively promoting solar projects, while Morocco is committed to ambitious emissions reduction targets linked to renewable energy. Saudi Arabia is expected to contribute over a third of the solar capacity growth by 2035, followed by Egypt, Oman, and the UAE.
The expansion of solar PV is not only increasing the region's energy capacity but also improving resilience in post-conflict areas by reducing reliance on weakened grids. This is crucial as electricity consumption in the MENA region is projected to rise by 50% by 2035, with around 40% of this demand coming from cooling and desalination sectors.
Countries in the MENA region are strategically aiming to free up oil and gas for higher-value uses or export. Consequently, natural gas is expected to lower the share of oil-fueled power generation to 5% by 2035, from the current 20%.
To support this growth, power sector investment in the region is estimated to increase by 50% by 2035, with nearly 40% allocated to grid improvements. This expansion will see natural gas as the dominant source of power supply, accompanied by the growth of solar, nuclear, and grid investments.
The MENA region's solar PV capacity is poised for significant growth, with the UAE and Morocco leading the way. This shift, driven by strategic planning and investment, will not only increase the region's energy capacity but also improve resilience and support economic growth. By 2035, renewables' share in electricity generation is expected to grow from 6% to 25%, largely thanks to the growth in solar.
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