The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has a vast abundance of renewable energy resources. With its strong demographic growth, rapid urbanization and an expanding economy, the MENA region is experiencing a strong growth in demand for energy and electricity.
The MENA Renewables Status Report, produced by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), REN21, and the United Arab Emirates, and released in June 2013 as an outcome of ADIREC, the Abu Dhabi International Renewable Energy Conference, provides a status overview of renewable energy markets, industry, policy and investment trends in the region, drawing on the most recent data available. It is produced in cooperation with over 50 contributors and researchers in the region and reveals massive growth in the renewable energy markets of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Regional investment topped US$2.9 billion in 2012, up 40% from 2011 and 650% from 2004. With over 100 projects under development, the region could see a 450% increase in non-hydro renewable energy generating capacity in the next few years.
