An overview of the potential renewable resources in the Middle Eastern region and the energy consumption


An overview of the potential renewable resources in the Middle Eastern region and the energy consumption

Energy transitions can have a negative effect on the environment, society and the economy but the potential of these changes should lead to renewable energy. There needs to be a transition to eco-friendly energy sources rather than using carbon intensive technologies. 


About the current renewable energy situation


In order to move into the environmentally friendly energy pathway energy efficiency and renewable energy sources are needed. Research from the International Energy Agency shows that “the electrical industry is expected to have the fastest increase in the area of renewable energy sources, which could set the stage for a sustainable future.” In today's times the power sector is accused of contributing to climate change and therefore globally there has been a discussion on the use of renewable energy sources. There need to be ambitious goals laid out in transitioning to renewable energy in the policies of existing administrations in order for the transition to be successful. The International Energy Agency also mentions that renewable energy can provide a lot more jobs in the field and in the next few years energy efficiency jobs will increase around 25%. 


The way forward with renewable energy


There have been developments recently in the electrical business in achieving alternative energy solutions. Further, new strategies and innovations need to be put forward to handle the future of power generations. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues in a country's hands. Therefore, energy distribution is important and decarbonization being on the list as a resolving issue is a must. 


The distribution of energy sources have been showing positive results:


  1. The decline in the costs of technology

  2. There is a greater demand of energy adaptability in the energy systems


There are however three conflicting factors when it comes down to energy distribution which are: companies, governments, general communities and municipalities. It is predicted that there is a high chance of the energy distribution supplies causing problems. A feasible solution that has been suggested is to have storage solutions at a low cost that is generated from renewable energy which can be used during a country's peak hour. This process might speed up the transition of renewable energy into the power systems. The study was mostly focussed on the Middle East Region and their energy consumption.


The renewable energy situation in the Middle East


The findings of the Middle East region showed that the electricity consumption must be monitored such as with: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Lebanon. The potential for all of these countries is renewable energy and solar power is predicted to increase in Saudi Arabia. Another potential energy source is wind energy, solar energy and the Middle East as a whole moving towards renewable energy. 


The conclusions of the study 


This research has brought the message forward that renewable energy is the way to go and is the future. Further, fossil fuel energy is negative and harmful to the environment and needs to be banned. There needs to be a focus and transition to renewable energy and for this energy source to be more affordable because it is. The financial sector is however feeling hesitant to make investments in the renewable energy sector. More research on renewable energy needs to be focused on so better decisions can be made for the future years to come.


Personal Thoughts


Many non-governmental organizations such as WWF, Greenpeace Africa and others are standing up loud and strong to enforce renewable energy and so change needs to happen. We can start local and then act global, we can make a natural difference through the use of renewable energy.



Story Source:
Materials provided by Cleaner Engineering and Technology. The original text of this story is licensed under a Creative Commons License. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

Author links open overlay panelQusay Hassan a et al. (2023) Middle East energy consumption and potential renewable sources: An overview, Cleaner Engineering and Technology. Elsevier. Available at: https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/S2666790823000046?token=C7E1C0F97208748BC1678E788E236BB5A24438CE579F215848FA2CA0E6F3572A41B2C551ACFE0992A9E240E71EAA599E&originRegion=eu-west-1&originCreation=20230309191933 (Accessed: March 9, 2023).

Photo of wind turbines lot · Free Stock Photo - PEXELS (no date). Available at: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-wind-turbines-lot-1292464/ (Accessed: March 9, 2023).