Power generation by utilization of different renewable energy sources in five Middle Eastern countries: Present status, opportunities and challenges

Abstract

There is enormous potential in the Middle East region for power generation by employment of renewable energies, particularly solar. The purpose of this article is representation of the status of power generation by use of different renewable energy systems in some Middle Eastern countries and the challenges and opportunities related to the development of these systems. In this study, five resource-rich Middle Eastern countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are considered to be analyzed in term of status of renewable energies for power generation. In this regard, the electricity generation status of these countries is focused. Furthermore, the policies and potentials of these countries are represented and discussed. Moreover, the challenges for development of renewable energy technologies for electricity development in these countries are represented and investigated. Among the considered countries for assessment of power generation by renewable energy sources, the UAE has the highest share of solar energy in generation of electricity. Moreover, there are ambitious plans and policies for clean electricity generation in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while in Iran and Iraq the development of renewable energies for power generation is not very significant. The reasons that hinder development of renewable energy systems in these countries can be different. For example, war and political issues in Iraq and sanctions in Iran could be among the main reasons that hinder development of new energy systems based on renewable energy sources. It can be stated that despite the considerable potential in these countries for exploitation of renewable energy sources for power generation, utilization of these sources is limited. In this regard, promotion of social awareness, incrementing economic incentives and advanced planning are needed to accelerate the renewable energies development.