How are Mediterranean countries approaching the energy mix ?

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Photovoltaic panels aligned in southern Egypt in the Aswan region, wind turbines aligned in the Turkish mountains ... Renewable energies are also present in the landscapes of the southern Mediterranean. States engaged in the development of renewable energies have early whet the appetite of foreign investors. In a document (FEM43-04) entitled "Strategies for the development of renewable energies in the Mena Region", coordinated by Myriam Ben Saad (University of Toulon), Femise gives an overview of the options taken by the Mediterranean countries and invites them to continue their short-term developments in this direction. Indeed, the relationship between GDP and renewable energy production appears asymmetrical. According to the Femise economists, this strategy is based on wind and solar energy, two abundant sources with "the most environmental, economic, social and technical impact," explains the document.

In a context where energy demand is expected to double by 2040, when the reduction of dependence on oil and oil price fluctuations appears inevitable, Southern Mediterranean countries must also take into account climate change and the need to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Like Western countries, they are therefore committed to the energy mix with a still marginal share of renewable energies.
"Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Turkey are concerned by this strategy which will enable them to improve the well-being of citizens in the long term. The current level of renewable electricity production in Tunisia and Israel is too low to have a significant effect in the long term, "says Femise. The Egyptian government has set itself the goal of producing 20% ​​of renewable energy by 2020. On the other hand, by focusing on hydropower, the energy strategy of "Lebanon and Iran has a negative impact on well-being of citizens ".
To stimulate green energy production, Femise suggests the establishment of technical support, the reinforcement of innovation capacities, the support for the emergence of entrepreneurship while simplifying administrative procedures.
 
The report is available for download here