Photovoltaic industry can solve the MENA ‘energy crisis'
On Tuesday PV Insider held a webinar analysing the prospects for the photovoltaic market in the Middle East & North Africa.
In his webinar presentation ESIA President Vahid Fotuhi gave a macro-level overview of the MENA market and what he described as an "energy crisis" emerging in the region. In his view, the crisis has been created by rising populations, urbanisation and economic growth, which is exacerbated by social factors.
More Headlines
- New York Car Dealership Enlists Energy Toolbase and Socomec for Microgrid-Capable Energy Storage System
- SOLATRUE MERGES WITH SOUTHERN SOLAR: PIONEERING BRANDS UNITE TO LEAD THE SOLAR INDUSTRY FORWARD
- Octopus Energy backs tech disruptor to turbocharge floating offshore wind farms globally
- TERREPOWER EXPANDS ITS TENNESSEE OPERATION, ESTABLISHES SOLAR RECYCLING LINE
- All Energy Solar Earns GAF Certification for Roofing
The "repercussion is that economic growth has outpaced… the GDP growth, and at the same time fuelled a rapid production of electricity in a way that is almost unsustainable," Fotuhi added.
At the same time, the price of PV panels has dropped by 75% since 2008, which Fotuhi emphasised that "no other commodity has had such a huge volatility – not even oil." In countries such as Morocco and Jordan, solar PV is now at grid parity, which increases its attractiveness.
Beyond the cost benefit of solar, it was shown in the webinar that PV can provide a valuable contribution to the GDP of a country, preserve oil, reduce imports and give jobs.
Vahid Fotuhi will be continuing this conversation in his presentation at the MENASOL conference, taking place 14-15 May in Dubai. The session on ‘The business case for PV in MENA' will open the PV technology track of the conference. To see full details of the conference, including full speaker line up and agenda, please visit www.pv-insider.com/menasol
Contact information:
Matt Carr
PV Insider
matt@pv-insider.com
Featured Product
SOLTEC - SFOne single axis tracker
SFOne is the 1P single-axis tracker by Soltec. This tracker combines the mechanical simplicity with the extraordinary expertise of Soltec for more than 18 years. Specially designed for larger 72 an 78 cell modules, this tracker is self-powered thanks to its dedicated module, which results into a lower cost-operational power supply. The SFOne has a 5% less piles than standard competitor, what reduces a 75% the labor time.
