Energy Partnership
Towards a new energy partnership between/for Europe, North Africa and the Middle East
One of the major challenges in the future will be to build partnerships across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East as well as to guide and encourage developments in collaboration with local authorities. Dii’s intention is to achieve renewable energy co-operation between Europe and Africa. The first political steps have already been taken: the energy co-operation with North Africa proposed by the EU is an important step and an excellent opportunity for the region. It helps achieve a reliable perspective on integration into the EU energy market.
The energy sectors in each of the North African and Middle Eastern nations have highly diverse structures. Some countries have their own fossil fuel resources, whereas others are dependent on energy imports. In the coming decades, the entire region will see considerable population growth and rising energy demand. It is estimated that by the year 2050 the MENA region and Europe will each have a population of approximately 500 million people. Renewable energy development and the necessary infrastructure, will not only help to meet the increasing energy demand but will also encourage a reduced dependency on fossil and nuclear energy sources and enhance overall energy security. Furthermore, the energy produced may be exported.
We have recently witnessed significant political transitions in North Africa. It is precisely in those countries in which democratic processes are now emerging that there is an increased interest, among both the local population and governments, in the idea of developing large-scale wind and solar power plants. This would contribute to economic growth and prosperity in the entire region. With the creation of local industries, the transfer of knowledge and the growth of new jobs, the Desertec vision will have positive socio-economic effects and will thereby contribute to overall political stability.
