13th – 14th April 2020

Egypt International
Exhibition Centre,
New Cairo, Egypt

Market Report for Solar Energy

Published: July 2019
Co-Located with

Created by

www.terrapinn.com/solarmena
MENA outlook Market opportunity
In this market report we look at the most notable initiatives under way in the MENA region. The market
is rapidly maturing and the cost of production diminishing with the PV pipeline in 2018 amounting to
EGYPT JORDAN KSA BAHRAIN UAE
almost 12 GW. There are also 4.9 GW of large solar projects under construction, including 1.8 GW in Egypt
and nearly a gigawatt combined in Jordan and Morocco. MENA’s operational large-scale solar capacity The International Finance
has reached 1.36 GW, led by Jordan with 467 MW, Algeria with 353 MW and the UAE with 323 MW. Corporation, a member In October 2016, the
of the World Bank Group, Bahrain Government Dubai Electricity and
has recently approved a endorsed Bahrain’s Water Authority (DEWA)
Jordan has set a target of REPDO part of the Ministry
The contribution of renewables to the power generation mix is steadily growing globally. Technologies $660 million financing for
installing 600 MW of solar of Energy, Industry &
National Plan for Energy has increased its
the construction of 500 Efficiency which seeks commitment to clean
that were once considered to be economically and technically challenging are now becoming viable with MW of solar power plants
PV capacity by 2020 to Mineral Resources, has
a 6% national electrical energy development by
a drop in technology costs, increasing private sector competition, regulatory policies and the possibility at the 1.8 GW Benban
reduce its dependence on set an initial target of
energy efficiency by year tripling its target for 2030,
imported fossil fuels, which generating 9.5 gigawatts
of power trade through regional interconnections. solar complex in Aswan,
would make up 20% of the of renewable energy by
2025. It also calls for a announcing it will source
southern Egypt. A 2000 5% contribution from 25% of its energy from
energy mix. 2023
MW target for private renewable energies by the renewable sources, mostly
Renewable energy technologies have witnessed significant expansion in North Africa over the past sector generation with a year 2025, rising further to solar.
few years, with most of the countries committing to an increased uptake and integration of renewable new feed-in tariff has also 10% by the year 2035.
been announced.
power into their electricity supply systems.

MENA ready for massive solar roll out in 2019, pipeline nears 12 GW

MOROCCO ALGERIA TUNISIA SUDAN OMAN

Oman is investing some

Morocco has launched one
Algeria plans to invite bids The tender is the first in The country aims to $2 billion in solar energy
of the world’s largest solar
for construction of three a series planned by the have 13% of electricity production along with
energy projects costing an
photovoltaic solar power Tunisian government to generation come from Swiss and Middle Eastern
estimated $9 billion. The
plants with total capacity install around 1 GW of renewable energy by 2031. partners to generate
aim of the project is to
of about 4,000 MW. Algeria renewable energy capacity The Rural Electrification approximately 400 MW.
generate 2,000 megawatts
has set a long-term target in the period 2017-2020. Program aims to install 1.1 Oman is also building the
of solar generation capacity
to have 13,500 MW of Tunisia aims at achieving million 50-200 watt solar world’s largest solar steam
by the year 2020. Five
solar PV power capacity by 4.7 GW of renewable home systems between producing plant, Miraah,
solar power stations are to
2030. energy capacity by 2030. 2015-2031 next to the Amal West
be constructed.
oilfield.
Table of Contents
FOCUS: EGYPT.....................................Page 2

FOCUS: MOROCCO..............................Page 4

FOCUS: TUNISIA..................................Page 5

FOCUS: JORDAN..................................Page 6

FOCUS: ALGERIA.................................Page 7

FOCUS: SAUDI ARABIA.....................Page 8

FOCUS: UAE..........................................Page 9

FOCUS: OMAN......................................Page 10

FOCUS: BAHRAIN................................Page 11
EGYPT
The solar energy plan aims to install KEY PLAYERS PROJECTS
3.5 GW by 2027
Egypt intends to supply 20% of generated electricity Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy Benban Solar Park –Aswan
from renewable sources by 2022, with wind International Finance Corporation (IFC) “The world’s largest solar park”
providing 12%, hydro power 5.8% and solar 2.2%.
New & Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) • Benban Solar Park aims to reach 1.8 GW generation
As electricity prices are expected to rise, the country
capacity by mid-2019
is spearheading the development of 1.4 GW of total Egyptian Electricity Holding company (EEHC)
generation capacity. The solar energy plan aims to • The IFC has recently approved a $660 million financing
Egypt’s Nuclear Power Plants Authority for the construction of 500 MW of 11 solar power 37 Square Km $653 Million 10,000 Workers
install 3.5 GW by 2027, including 2.8 GW of PV and Land near the investment for 13 will work
700 MW of CSP. The strategy also plans to generate Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) plants with a cumulative capacity of 500 MW Southern City Of of 32 plants On the site
7.2 GW (12% of electricity generated) from wind by European Bank for Reconstruction and • The solar power plants will be developed by different Aswan, Egypt
2022. The plan envisions significant private sector sponsors and all output generated will be sold to the
Development (EBRD) Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC)
involvement, noting that the private sector will take
the lead on 67% of the plan. The Feed-in Tariff Government of Egypt under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.
programme also aims to secure 2000 MW of solar and • The African Development Bank (AFDB) also approved a
2000 MW of wind power. Over the next three to five loan of US$55 million for 3 independent solar projects
years, the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy COMPANIES OPERATING IN EGYPTIAN • Norway´s Scatec Solar signed up the largest number
plans to add 51.3 GW to current installed capacity. RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS Project set to Will be the largest Made up of
of PPAs (25 in total) for 6 solar projects with a launch by mid Solar power 32 individual
The New & Renewable Energy Authority (NREA) combined capacity of 400 MW at the complex. These 2019 installation in the plants
plays a strategic role in the government’s renewable Ibvogt Arima Solar projects are part of the 2 GW FiT programme launched world
energy plans. It currently has about 500 MW of by the Egyptian Government in 2015.
Infinity Solar ALCOM
• The Feed-in Tariff Round 2 was amongst the most 2 Million tons of greenhouse gas
wind power plants in operation and 1340 MW under
Scatec Solar FAS Renewable Energy significant renewable projects in the Middle East emissions will be saved annually - the
implementation and development and it’s expected equivalent of taking 400 000 cars off
to contribute substantially to the rapid expansion of Access Solar Delta and Africa last year, taking home the title of Global the road
wind power capacity. The ACWA Power Sunrise Energy Multilateral Deal of the Year at the PFI Awards 2017.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EDF Energies Winnergy

(EBRD) have also approved $500 million to finance
NEXTracker
Egyptian renewable projects. Egyptian government
renewable energy plans for 2015-2023 include Chint Group
3.2GW of government projects; 1.25GW under BOO Sterling & Wilson
mechanisms and 920 MW as IPPs.
“The potential is endless (for renewable energy)
because of the enormous increase in population.”
Lamya Youssef | Head of Private Sector Power | Egyptian Electricity
Transmission Company
Hydropower plant Ataka Mount
Alfar Solar • US$2 billion
Horus Solar Energy • 2,100 MW
TAQA Arabia
250 MW wind farm - Rhas Gharib
• NGIE has signed a contract to build, own and operate (BOO) with its consortium partners Toyota Tsusho
Corporation/Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation (40%) and Orascom Construction Limited (20%)
• The location is an optimal site with more than 60% of gross capacity factor. The energy will be sold under a 20-
year PPA to the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC)
• Total investment cost of the Gulf of SUEZ project amounts to approximately USD 400 million
• Financing will be provided by the Japanese Bank for International Corporation (JBIC) in coordination with
commercial lenders SMBC and Sociéte Générale.
• Egypt has officially awarded electricity generation licences to four wind farms with a combined capacity of 1,420 MW

2 3
MOROCCO
Morocco plans to have 6GW of installed
renewable energy capacity by 2020.
Morocco is the biggest energy importer in North Africa.
Morocco’s goal is to lift the share of renewables in
its total installed power capacity to 42% by 2020
and 52% by 2030. Morocco plans to have 6 GW of
installed renewables capacity, including solar, wind and
hydropower by 2020. The country anticipates a lot of
innovation and lower prices in the battery market as
the use of intermittent renewables grows.
Morocco has launched one of the world’s largest
solar energy projects costing an estimated $9
billion. The aim of the project is to generate 2,000
megawatts of solar generation capacity by the year
2020 and to add 1.5 GW annually. Five solar power
stations are to be constructed. The government will
award contracts for the solar projects, comprising
two 400 MW facilities, by the end of 2018.
PROJECTS
Noor Tata Solar Plant
• Phase I consists of the integration of two hybrid
plants, combining PV and CSP. They will also have
energy storage capacity
• The first phase projects will have an overall
capacity estimated around 800MW
• The total capacity will be around 2,000 MW which
will make up over 14% of the country’s total mix
electricity production
• Noor III will deliver power to Morocco’s electricity
grid by October if not sooner
Ouarzazate Solar Power Station (Noor)–
Phase 2
• Total project cost $9 billion
• 580 MW
TUNISIA
The Tunisian government plans to have
30% of total electricity generation from
renewable energy resources by 2030
Tunisia relies almost entirely on fossil fuels to meet
its domestic energy needs, with over 94% of installed
energy capacity in the country being hydrocarbon-
fired.
The Tunisian government plans to install around
1 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2020 and
30% of total electricity generation from renewable
energy resources by 2030. That’s a 4.7 GW capacity
of renewable energy. The country will invest $1.8
billion over the next 2 years alone in energy projects,
spanning both generation and grid upgrades, in
implementation of its national energy strategy. In
renewable energy, the biggest investments are
expects in the solar power sector.
PROJECTS
Tunur Concentrated Solar Power Plant
• Consists of three elements: power generation,
transmission and sale of electricity
• 2,250 MW solar CSP power plant in the Sahara
desert
• Generate circa 9,400 GWh of 100% renewable
power per annum
Tunisia – Italy Submarine Cable – The Tunur
• 2 GW HVDC submarine cable from Tunisia to Italy
• Bringing 4.5 GW of solar energy from the Sahara
desert by 2020
Solar power plants – Tozeur 1 and Tozeur 2
• Each will have a capacity of 10 MW
• The project is a part of the government’s solar
strategy Plan Solaire Tunisien (PST).
• Already under construction

KEY PLAYERS KEY PLAYERS

Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) Tunisia’s National Agency for Energy
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Conservation (ANME)
Development Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines
The Office National de l’Electricité et de l’Eau Potable Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG)
(ONEE)
TSK

COMPANIES OPERATING IN MOROCCAN

RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS

TSK Elum Energy

SENER Sterling Wilson
Acciona Shapoorji Pallonji
ACWA Power Chint Solar

4 5
JORDAN
The government plans to boost
electricity generation capacity from
renewable to 1.8 GW by 2020
Due to Jordan’s heavy reliance on fossil-fuel imports,
the government’s national energy strategy is to
generate 10% of its energy needs from renewable
energy sources by 2020. A number of projects were
announced in 2017, showing positive signs that the
country is steadily moving toward its clean-energy
targets.
Jordan has transitioned from reliance on external
sources of power towards a more independent
energy generation mix. The cost of generated
power from renewables in Jordan has also fallen
significantly. The government plans to boost
electricity generation capacity from renewable
sources up from the current 18 MW to 1.8 GW by
2020. Jordan has also set a target of installing
600 MW of solar PV capacity by 2020 to reduce its
dependence on imported fossil fuels, which would
make up 20% of the energy mix.
Jordan’s Energy Minister recently announced that
45 companies have been selected as finalists to bid
for the upcoming 300 MW solar and wind auction.
Overall, four solar PV plants worth 200 MW will be
developed.
KEY PLAYERS
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
Electricity Regulatory Commission
Government of Jordan
Jordanian Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Fund (JREEEF)
National Electric Power Company (NEPCO)
Jordanian Electric Power (JEPCO)
6 7
ALGERIA
PROJECTS The government has set a target to PROJECTS
have 13,500 MW of solar PV power
Baynouna Solar Energy Project capacity by 2030 3 Solar Energy Plants
• 200MW of solar energy capacity Algeria holds one of the highest solar potentials in • 4000 MW capacity
• Annual generation of 563.3 GWh (equivalent to the world which is estimated at 13.9 TWh per year. • The government is planning to launch a tender
3% of the annual energy consumption of Jordan) The government has set a target to have 13,500 • Sonatrach is expected to fund 50%
• Supplying the annual energy consumption of MW of solar PV power capacity by 2030. They are
110,000 aiming to diversity the energy mix and aims to bring The Green Corridor project
the share of electricity generation from renewable • 10 MW capacity
• The US$260 million project funded by the IFC
energy resources to 6% and 40% by 2020 and 2030
is expected to be operational in 2019 after its
respectively. The government has also set a longer
construction began in late 2017
term goal of establishing 22,000MW of renewable KEY PLAYERS
Al Quweira Solar Plant power generation by 2035-40.
• 103 MW facility This is a more comprehensive approach than Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM)
• The project is valued at over 120 million USD previously and includes a tender process which National Society for Electricity and Gas
• Started injecting power into the grid at the reflects other countries approaches.
The Government of Algeria
beginning of 2017
Sonatrach, ENI and GE have all announced that they’ll Sonatrach
• The plant uses three square kilometers of land to be expanding their activities in the solar energy
produce
sector in Algeria.
Mafraq I and Mafraq II
• Two independent solar PV plants that will be
developed by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV)
• With a combined investment of US$180 million and a
total generation capacity of 133.4 MW, the two projects
are expected to reach completion by mid-2018
• The rates for electric unit generated by Mafraq I
and Mafraq II have been declared to be 6.9 and
7.6 US$ cents per kWh respectively, which falls
below the average rate of electricity for Jordan
Al Shobak wind farm
• 45 MW capacity
• Contract recently secured by Vestas Wind Systems
Ma’an electricity storage plant
• Energy capacity of at least 60 MWh
• Pencilled for completion by April 2019
The Green Corridor project
• The project aims to synchronise electricity produced
from renewable sources, is expected to enter service
by the end of 2018.
SAUDI ARABIA
The plan is to generate nearly 10 GW of
renewable energy a year by 2023
The government plans to generate nearly 10 GW
of renewable energy a year by 2023 through
60 projects, involving an estimated investment
of between $30 - $50 billion. Managed by the
Renewable Energy Project Development Office
(REPDO) of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy, Industry
and Mineral Resources, the National Renewable
Energy Program (NREP) seeks to substantially
increase the share of renewables in the country’s
energy mix.
The plan is to generate 3.45 GW by 2020 under the
National Transformation Program, and 9.5GW by
2023, towards Vision 2030. REDPO have set an initial
target of generating 9.5 gigawatts of renewable
energy by 2023.
8 9
UAE
PROJECTS DEWA has tripled its renewable energy PROJECTS
target for 2030
World’s biggest solar power generation Renewable energy has become economically Masdar City
project attractive in the oil-rich UAE. Dubai Electricity • Aims to be the world’s first carbon-neutral city by
• The recently announced project is estimated to and Water Authority (DEWA) has increased its relying on solar, wind and other renewable energy
cost $200 billion and will take until 2030 to build commitment to clean energy development by tripling resources
out all 200 GW its target for 2030. They have ramped up renewables • A 10-mW solar photovoltaic plant and an array of
• The partnership is between Saudi Arabia and to 10% of the country’s total energy mix (mostly building-mounted solar panels offsets nearly all of
Japan’s SoftBank solar) and 25% of total power generation, which the electricity in Phase 1
could generate annual savings of USD 1.9 billion by
• The first two solar parks will be able to generate Solar CSP Power Plant – Mohammad Bin
2030.
7.2 gigawatts of power and are scheduled to Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park Phase 4
begin construction this year and start generating The market in the UAE is growing quickly and
• Phase 4 recently launched
electricity in 2019 diversifying into distributed and local generation
together with a much closer focus on energy • The project will generate 700 MW of clean energy
Sakaka Solar PV project at a single site and features the world’s tallest solar
management and electrification.
• 300 MW capacity tower measuring 260 metres and the world’s largest
• Awarded to ACWA Power thermal energy storage capacity
• The plant has achieved the world’s lowest levelised
Midyan Wind Farm Project cost of electricity (LCOE) of 7.3 US cents per kilowatt
• 400 MW installed capacity hour (kW/h)
• Expected to become operational in 2019
Solar PV Plant – Sweihan
Dumat Al Jandal Wind Power Project – Dumat • 1,177 MW
Al Jandal • Construction is likely to be completed in April 2019
• 400 MW wind power plant
KEY PLAYERS KEY PLAYERS
Renewable Energy Project Development Office Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
(REPDO) The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Directorate of
The Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Energy and Climate Change
Resources Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA)
Saudi Aramco Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA)
Saudi Electricity Company Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA)
The Government of Saudi Arabia
MARAFIQ
OMAN
Oman is investing $2 billion in solar
energy production
A substantial portfolio of large-scale solar and
wind-based electricity projects is planned for
implementation by the year 2025 in line with a
commitment by the Omani government to harness
renewables as a source of power to meet at least
10% of total domestic demand. Oman is investing
some $2 billion in solar energy production along
with Swiss and Middle Eastern partners to generate
approximately 400 MW.
PROJECTS
Miraah –South Oman
• Oman is also building the world’s largest solar
steam producing plant, Miraah, next to the Amal
Westn oilfield.
• 1,021 MW solar thermal facility
• GlassPoint Solar has been contracted to construct the
new solar thermal plant by Petroleum Development
Oman (PDO), a joint venture (JV) between the
Government of Oman, Shell, Total and Partex.
500 MW solar plant – Ibri
• The country’s first large utility-scale PV IPP
• Estimated cost of around $500 million
200 MW solar power and PV project
• Pegged for the Dakiliyah Governorate in central
Oman.
• It will produce at least 1,600 MW
BAHRAIN
Bahrain intends to produce 10% of
its power generation from renewable
sources by 2035
Bahrain’s Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs
published its National Renewable Energy Action Plan
in 2016 stating the intention for Bahrain to produce
5% of its power generation from renewable sources
by 2025 and 10% by 2035. The government has
introduced a net metering scheme, managed by the
country’s Electricity and Water Authority, aimed at
encouraging local and distributed generation to meet
local demand and allow large industrial consumers to
create their own generation facilities.
PROJECTS
100 MW solar power plant
• The tender process is ongoing
• Set to begin operations end of 2019
5 MW Solar & Wind Energy Plant
• Carried out by EWA
• Located in Al Dur, Southern Bahrain
KEY PLAYERS
Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU)
Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs
Electricity and Water Authority (EWA)
The National Oil and Gas Authority

50 MW wind power project

• Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy
company, has received approval to build a wind farm in
Oman, thefirst large scale project of its kind in the Gulf.
• Estimated to cost $200 million

100 MW solar PV power plant – Amin

• This will be the first renewable energy project to
be implemented by Petroleum Development Oman
(PDO) as an independent power producer (IPP). It
will be the sole project offtaker and will buy all clean
energy generated by the plant.
• The tender process is currently open and contracts
will be awarded in July 2018

KEY PLAYERS

Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU)

Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs
Electricity and Water Authority (EWA)
The National Oil and Gas Authority
10 11
13th – 14th April 2020
Egypt International Exhibition Centre, New Cairo, Egypt

Amidst all the opportunities present in the MENA energy

sector, The Solar Show MENA, co-located with The Wind
Show MENA and the Electric Vehicles Show MENA stands
out as the must-attend event. The event brings together
the governments, leading utilities, power producers, project
developers, investors and solution providers to allow new
business opportunities and valuable connections to be made.
Driven by generating genuine business connections, The
Solar Show MENA is committed to showcasing your products,
ideas and innovations, and ensuring you meet with the right
customers.
Call Rebecca Tyson today on +97144402521 or email
rebecca.tyson@terrapinn.com to learn more about
exhibiting, sponsoring or speaking.exhibiting, sponsoring
or speaking.

Co-Located with

www.terrapinn.com/solarmena