The Rise of Renewable Energy in the MENA Region: An Investigation into the Policies Governing Energy Resources

This paper explores the various policies and legislative frameworks regarding renewable energy in place throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with a specific focus on two representative countries: Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Through compiling information from past literature covering renewable energy policies in general, the history of hydrocarbons in the Middle East, and the steadily growing presence of renewables in the area, and combining that information with primary research through meetings and interviews with individuals throughout the different stages of the renewable energy market, this paper arrives at recommendations regarding the future of renewable energy production and policies in the MENA region. Overall, the recommendations this paper presents based on its findings determine that MENA governments must begin by eliminating pre-existing fuel subsidies and reducing their international energy-related financial burdens to allow the private sector to fully penetrate the market. In general, the governments must take steps towards achieving higher efficiency in the renewable energy market, be it through the legislative framework, infrastructure, or financial framework to achieve the lowest Levelized Cost of Energy possible and to grow into a possible energy hub in the future.