This report summarizes the results of two studies of electricity supply for Europe (EU), the Middle East (ME) and North Africa (NA) up to the year 2050. It shows that a transition to competitive, secure and sustainable supply of electricity and water is possible using renewable energy sources, efficiency gains and fossil fuel backup for balancing power. A strong cooperation between the EU and MENA for the market introduction of renewable energy and the interconnection of the electricity grids by high-voltage direct-current transmission are keys to the success and survival of the whole region. However, the necessary measures will take at least two decades to become effective. Therefore, adequate policy and economic frameworks for their realization must be introduced immediately. The importance of sustainable energy for the security of freshwater supplies in MENA is also described.
[1]
Franz Trieb,et al.
Concentrating Solar Power for Seawater Desalination
,
2007
.
[2]
F. Trieb,et al.
Concentrating solar power for seawater desalination in the Middle East and North Africa
,
2008
.
[3]
G. Asplund,et al.
Sustainable energy systems with HVDC transmission
,
2004,
IEEE Power Engineering Society General Meeting, 2004..
[4]
Poul Erik Morthorst,et al.
Experience curves: A tool for energy policy assessment
,
2003
.
[5]
F. Trieb,et al.
Concentrating Solar Power for the Mediterranean Region
,
2005
.