Analysis of energy systems in the Middle East and North Africa

In light of climate change and energy security, energy exporting countries in North Africa and the Persian Gulf region face different challenges. To meet increasing domestic demand while keeping energy exports at high levels, intense discussions involve the pros and cons of using nuclear energy. The research project ENONA targeted advantages of renewable energies and energy efficiency in perspective to nuclear energy in energy exporting countries in North Africa and the Persian Gulf region. The Islamic republic of Iran, the People´s Democratic Republic of Algeria, and the United Arab Emirates were selected as case studies for the analysis.

The objective of the project consisted of creating an inventory of renewable and energy efficiency options in North Africa and the Persian Gulf region. In order to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each option, an analytical assessment of renewable energies, energy efficiency and nuclear power was designed. Ecological, social, economic and stability-related potentials were also outlined and compared. The research aimed to inspire discussions on future energy systems in the selected case study regions. adelphi, in conjunction with the Wuppertal Institute, conducted the project on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).