Solar power in the Middle East

Could solar power help the Middle East?

Experts say solar could help ― it is cost-competitive, it is quicker to install and can be deployed either at scale for large communities, or in a modular way on rooftops, or for small factories. Some Middle East countries have a natural advantage when it comes to meeting power demand, harnessing their massive wealth of natural resources.

Which country has the most solar power?

Even though Kuwait was an early adopter of solar power in the 1970s and 1980s, the UAE is by far the regional leader in terms of installed renewable energy capacity (Figure 1). As an established market, however, renewable power projects in the UAE will grow more slowly than in Saudi Arabia.

Should Iraq and Jordan increase solar power?

Iraq, however, needs to boost generation by as much as 10 per cent a year. Jordan aims to increase renewable generation — mainly solar power — to 3.2GW by 2025, with a current peak demand of around 3.5GW. That would put the kingdom close to regional solar leaders Egypt, Morocco and the UAE.

Will Jordan increase solar power by 2025?

Jordan aims to increase renewable generation — mainly solar power — to 3.2GW by 2025, with a current peak demand of around 3.5GW. That would put the kingdom close to regional solar leaders Egypt, Morocco and the UAE. Many other countries in the region have ambitious plans to increase renewable energy generation.

How many MW of solar are planned in the Northern Emirates?

Northern Emirates Up to 300 MW of solar are planned in the Northern Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah Municipality announced its new renewable energy and energy eficiency program, including a target of 25-30% clean energy capacity by 2040. Also, FEWA and the emirate of Umm Al-Quwain signed an agreement for the development of a 200 MW solar park.

Does Saudi Arabia have solar power?

The kingdom has spare capacity, theoretically able to produce up to 90GW, some of which supplies a regional power grid, the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Grid. A field of solar panels at the King Abdulaziz City of Sciences and Technology. Saudi Arabia may finally be tapping its other main resource: sunshine. Photo: Fahad Shadeed