Social and Environmental Challenges of European-MENA Renewable Power Cooperation

In recent years there has been enthusiasm in the public, private, and research sectors concerning the linking of renewable energy resources across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with centres of electricity demand in those same regions. Numerous technical analyses have shown such plans to be not merely feasible, but also attractive for a number of especially technical and economic reasons. Preliminary analysis has also suggested substantial challenges associated either with realizing such plans, or with realizing them in such a way as to bring certain benefits to people in the region. A number of separate research organizations have become concerned with these challenges and risks, but their current efforts are often taking place in parallel, missing opportunities for collaboration and synergies. Scientists at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) are hosting this workshop in order to critically reflect on research priorities moving forward, and to strengthen collaborative networks to carry out the needed activities.

This workshop is part of the ongoing Human-environments Systems: Energy, Development and Security (HESEDS) project.

Last edited: 18 March 2013