The renewable energy sector in North Africa: current situation and prospects

Abstract

Access to energy is a strategic priority in all regions of the world. Even today, nearly 1.6 billion people do not have access to modern energy and three billion people depend on “traditional biomass” and coal as their main source of fuel. Lack of access to clean, affordable and reliable energy, is a brake on human and economic development; it is a major obstacle to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The publication gives an overview of the current situation and of development prospects for renewable energies in North Africa. It is an in-depth analysis of policies and programmes and of the institutional, legal and financial instruments put in place to support the various technologies. Stress is laid on synergies and partnership opportunities in the region, as well as in a cooperation framework with the European Union. Recommendations are made for lowering barriers to the development of renewable energies and for improving energy efficiency.