Maghreb, Europe talk green energy deals

Source：By Siham Ali in Rabat for Maghar Release Date：2013-11-12 245

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North African and Middle Eastern countries are embarking on an impressive transition to wind and solar energy, but these mostly cater to local needs.

The Maghreb and Europe can benefit from new green energy partnerships, participants at last week's Desertec Industrial Initiative (DII) conference in Morocco said.

North African and Middle Eastern countries are embarking on an impressive transition to wind and solar energy, but these mostly cater to local needs.

"This is why it is necessary to create a common renewable energy market in the region," DII chairman Paul Van Son told attendees at the 2-day Skhirat event, which ended on October 31st.

"European countries must help the MENA region to create an integrated system," he noted.

Germany's Desertec project aims to use Saharan solar and wind power for 15 per cent of Europe's electricity needs by 2050.

"Re-launching large-scale projects can stimulate development in the areas where they are implemented through the creation of jobs and new investment," Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy chief Mustapha Bakkoury said. Renewable energies have a bright future provided they start immediately, he added.

"It is vital to focus on innovation and creativity at the local level in order to create added value," echoed Nouredine Bouterfa, who runs an Algerian electricity company.

In his view, the top priority is to create interconnections between the Maghreb and Europe with a focus on sustainability, especially since Algeria lacks adequate wind resources. In fact, the Algerian government plans to commission the country's first solar power stations in 2016-2017.

Moroccan Energy and Mines Minister Abdelakder Amara underlined the importance of regional co-operation in overcoming the challenges faced by Maghreb nations.

"Morocco has interconnections with Algeria and Spain and benefits from a geographical location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Electricity Ring which enables it to play this role fully, especially since the kingdom adopted an energy strategy in 2009," Amara said, adding that Morocco was willing to join a regional partnership.

"This strategy is based on renewable energies and makes provision for the generation of 2000 MW of solar energy, 2000 MW of wind energy and 2000 MW of hydropower by 2020," he said.

Renewable energies could be a major economic asset to the region if it unites and works out a clear strategy, according to economist Saad Bakkali.

"Investment could be encouraged, and this would have a positive impact on growth and employment," he noted.

"All research centres across the Maghreb should form a network in order to create synergy around regional experience," Bakkali said. "The partnership must be extended to training, technology transfer and financing. Regulations and standards applied across the region should also be harmonised and industrial facilities adapted to local conditions."

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