Renewable electrical energy in the Mediterranean MENA : wave, wind and solar potential -

Abstract

This study examines the environmental and economic implications of renewable energy (RE) deployment (wave, wind, solar, hydro) in the energy sector within the Middle Eastern and North Africa (MENA) countries falling on the rim of the Mediterranean. LEAP long term simulations of green-house gases (GHG) emissions were used under several scenarios at the country scale. MIKE21 SW simulations were used to provide input for LEAP regarding wave energy while inputs for wind, solar and hydro were obtained from the literature. Results showed that increased RE penetration in power generation in the study area is justified by the multitude of social benefits associated with RE including GHG emissions reductions, green jobs, sustainable energy, and energy security. While the initial investment in RE is relatively high, it is expected to decline with technology advances and economies of scale which will further facilitate and catalyze the shift to RE at the local and regional scales. Results showed that investment in wave energy is still associated with high costs that would prohibit its inclusion in an RE penetration energy due to the relatively low power density of the Mediterranean Sea and the developing nature of the technology.