Drivers & barriers for the diffusion of renewable energy technologies: The role of the European industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

In the last 100 years, Earth's average surface temperature increased by 0.8°C. Two thirds of this increase occurred over just the last three decades, resulting in extreme weather events and natural disasters. To stop global warming and its severe consequences on human kind and nature, a transition to a low carbon economy has to take place soon. Besides increasing energy efficiency in various applications, renewable energy technologies are seen as a possible way to achieve this change. Very promising conditions for these technologies can be found in countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). However, these countries have not invested in renewable energy until today, as cheap fossil fuel alternatives were widely available. But with soaring electricity demand, resulting from economic growth and demographic changes, they are urged to upgrade their electric infrastructure. And with the prospect of rising fossil fuel prices, renewable energy becomes a viable alternative. Support for the diffusion of renewable energy technologies in the MENA region is most likely to come from Europe. Being equipped with the necessary technological know-how, the European renewable energy industry could significantly influence the diffusion process.