North Africa has emerged as a region that has enormous potential to catapult solar energy development.
However, significant investment and public support for solar is needed to guarantee the success of large-scale projects.
Currently there are 3 countries that are leading the deployment of Solar PV in North Africa.
Egypt have set a target of having 42% of its electricity to be generated by renewable sources by 2035.
In 2019, the Ben Bon Solar Park was commissioned with a total installed capacity of 1650MW.
In 2021, Egypt signed a $700,000,000 contract for the Kom Ombo Solar Energy Complex to install 32 solar power projects on site.
Overall, power from renewables is expected to increase from 3.51GW in 2020 to 13.7GW in 2030.
Solar is set to contribute 7.71GW by 2030.
In Morocco, renewable energy makes up two fifths of the total electricity generation.
The Moroccan Government has committed to increase the number of renewable technologies in its electricity mix to 53% of total generation by 2030.
Solar PV is expected to make up 20% of total renewable energy capacity.
There are currently 3 solar projects currently operational in Morocco:
- Noor I – With a 170MW capacity, it is the World’s largest CSP power plant.
- Noor II – 200MW capacity.
- Noor III – A 150MW CAP plant.
All 3 have been generating clean energy for Morocco’s electricity grid since 2019.
Kuwait is currently falling behind in installing Solar PV plants but is actively trying to increase its solar capacity.
The public sector in Kuwait is pivotal to the success of solar installations.
Subsides for electricity tariffs have helped raise awareness for rooftop solar systems.
As the importance of rooftop solar continues to become more relevant, renewable energy development is expected to reach Kuwait’s renewable energy targets.
The continued success of solar in Egypt, Morocco, and Kuwait are proving that solar can reach its potential in North Africa. Once this success is recognised it will lead to increased public support and more investment for renewable technologies.
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