Achieving a reliable energy supply is becoming critical for several countries in the Middle East and North Africa, especially in light of their soaring energy use.
Various options are discussed as potential solutions to climate change, sustained energy security and increasing demand. A joint study of the Wuppertal Institute and Adelphi Consult systemically explores advantages of renewable energies and energy efficiency, as compared with nuclear energy. Iran, Algeria and the United Arab Emirates were selected as case studies for this analysis, comparing benefits and risks of different types of energy production. The study analyses relevant aspects of the future energy systems in the countries above, on the basis of several indicators, e.g. economic advantages, the ease of integration in existing energy systems, the contribution to environmental protection, and political stability in the region.