The Untapped Potential of Renewable Energy in Selected MENA Countries: Government Plans and Strategies for Solar Thermal Heating in Tunisia and Libya

Arbeit an der Bibliothek noch nicht eingelangt - Daten nicht geprüftAbweichender Titel nach Übersetzung der Verfasserin/des VerfassersThe rapid growth of the world population leading to the ever-increasing energy demand and quicker depletion of the limited fossil fuel resources as well as the environmentally damaging effects, impels humanity to find new options of renewable energy sources. Solar power is one the most promising sources in the field of heat and electricity generation, especially in the sunny Middle East and North Africa (MENA) territories. This paper explores the existing renewable energy projects in selected MENA countries (i.e. Dijbouti, Morocco, Sudan, the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Libya), as well as aims to analyse diverse policies and legislative frameworks that are being implemented regarding solar thermal heating in selected MENA countries, with a focus on two neighboring countries: Tunisia and Libya. The core objective of this paper is to arrive at suggestions regarding the future of solar thermal energy deployment in the Libya. Through extensive literature research, this paper proves that the MENA region has an excellent potential for the implementation of solar thermal projects due to its high solar irradiation, high amount of clear sunny days and vast uninhabited areas. However, on an example of Tunisia and Libya, findings suggest that the main challenge of efficient introduction of renewable energy is the existence of very significant fossil fuel subsidies and lack of transparent and consistent renewable energy policies. Based on the successful example of Tunisian solar water heating program PROSOL, it is suggested that Libya needs to address its renewable energy strategies in a more consistent way by developing legislative and financial frameworks, as well as increasing public and private awareness. Thus the Government of Libya must begin with gradual reduction of existing fuel subsidies and aim at liberation of the energy market to make entry for the private sector possible. Moreover, these measures are particularly essential for Libya as the fossil fuels net-exporting country to remain its strong position as global energy exporter.8