The MENA region will see solar projects worth $2.7 billion unveiled in 2015, 6 times as much as 2014, according to Arabian Business, which cited a new study by the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA).
1,800MW worth of solar projects will be tendered or awarded during the next 12 months, compared with less than 300MW of solar projects in 2014.
“MESIA’s report also said solar will become more pan-regional. In the past the solar debate has been focused on only one or two countries. This year the industry will see solar projects take off in 11 different countries across MENA, from Morocco to Saudi Arabia, the report said.”
According to MESIA’s press release on the report, 3 solar trends will emerge this year:
- Solar will become more pan-regional. In the past the solar debate has been focused on only 1 or 2 countries. This year the industry will see solar projects take off in 11 different countries across MENA, from Morocco to Saudi Arabia.
- Size matters: In 2013, there were only 3 projects awarded larger than 10MW. This year, that number is expected to reach 40. Each of these projects will be worth at least $60 million and several will exceed $100 million.
- Micro-solar markets: As the solar market grows, the region will see niche segments emerging. One example is the rooftop sector. With Dubai having recently launched a landmark solar rooftop program, the MENA region will see for the first time an entire industry emerge focused on building solar PV systems on rooftops.
The report is released just before the World Future Energy Summit 2015 kicks off in Abu Dhabi, where hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of businessmen and visitors from the clean energy sector will meet.
