CSP tipped to emerge as dominant solar technology in MENA

Political stability is being cited as the biggest challenge for solar development in North Africa and Middle East, according to research conducted by CSP Today.

CSP Today's industry survey, Outlook on Solar in North Africa & Middle East, featuring around 400 solar industry players, indicated that 38.2% of respondents believe that political stability is going to be the major issue for these regions. It was followed by financial support (26.8%), regulatory framework (24.2%) and plentiful oil and gas resources (10.5%).


The future of CSP technology in North Africa and Middle East is scheduled to be discussed by key organisations including Masdar, Total, Credit Suisse, World Bank, IFC, BNP Paribus, Qatar Petroleum Company and JBIC at MENASOL 2011, the premier solar event for North Africa and the Middle East.

Also, as per the findings of the survey, around 62% of respondents believe that CSP technology is going to be dominant technology in North Africa and around 53% expressed the same for the Middle East market.

The solar industry's key players including Abengoa, First Solar, Isofoton, BrightSource, Soitec, Kaneka and Acciona among others are scheduled to discuss in detail the potential of CSP and PV technology during MENASOL 2011.

When asked what the biggest challenge was facing this exportation of power to Europe, the two biggest concerns was political co-operation (50%), and transmission of the energy (42%). With Spain and Morocco only being separated by 13 km of the Atlantic Ocean it makes this country a perfect candidate to realise the dream, especially as they import 96% of their energy needs, making them eager to be energy independent.

However what is less well known is the Arab perspective on this deal, at MENASOL 2011 UNESCO have organised a roundtable discussion with 22+ government officials from the Ministries of Energy in the region to discuss a plan that works for Europe and MENA.

CSP Today's 3rd North Africa & Middle East Solar Conference & Expo is scheduled to take place at Mazagan Resort, Casablanca (El Jadida), Morocco (4-5 May).

For more information contact:

Heidi Hafes

Event Director
CSP, CPV & Thin Film Today
heidi@csptoday.com

+44 207 375 7206

http://www.csptoday.com/solar-conference

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