TRANSOLAR
Transition to solar energy in the Mediterranean
This project examines the processes of socio-technical transition to solar energy in the Mediterranean region with a specific focus on sector policy reform, investment risks, the limits and potential of regional cooperation.
The Mediterranean region holds one of the largest and best solar energy potential in the world. Yet the Mediterranean region attracts limited investments compared to the global total renewable energy investment. A shift to solar energy is taking place to a limited extent and in very few Mediterranean countries. Developing solar energy is capital intensive, therefore demanding high initial costs that Mediterranean countries cannot afford alone.
This project examines the processes of socio-technical transition to solar energy in the Mediterranean region with a specific focus on sector policy reform, investment risks, the limits and potential of regional cooperation. The project developed a model that allows to examine how domestic versus regional/multilateral governance structures impact upon investment risks and facilitate (or hinder) the transition to solar electricity in the Mediterranean. To gather evidence, this project employs interviews and participatory assessment with public-private stakeholders. It builds knowledge on how to facilitate a region-wide transition to solar energy in the Mediterranean.
This project is closely following recent policy developments, with a specific attention to (a) national and cross-national barriers hindering investments in solar energy projects in the Mediterranean; and (b) the case of Ouarzazate Noor 1 CSP plant in Morocco. It joined the Union for the Mediterranean Extended Technical Committee on renewable energy, where Mediterranean and European government representatives meet technical agencies, industry stakeholders, development banks as well as other international organisations. This project has also led a bid on behalf of Cidob to receive the official status of observer organisation at the Paris COP21 climate summit.
Principal investigator:
Dr Luigi Carafa
Results:
L. Carafa, G. Frisari, and G. Vidican. Electricity transition in the Middle East and North Africa: A de-risking governance approach (under review)
L. Carafa. The governance of energy in the Mediterranean: Differentiation as a non-option? (conference paper)
L. Carafa and G. Escribano. EU-MENA clean electricity cooperation: When policy confronts politics. in R. Looney (ed.) The Routledge Handbook of Transitions to Energy and Climate Security (under preparation)
Related activities
Desertec Conference, October 2013
UfM Energy Senior Officials Meeting, November 2013 (link)
EIB Femip, December 2013 (link)
UfM Extended Technical Commitee on renewable energy and energy efficiency, April 2014 (link)
IEA SolarPaces, September 2014 (link)
UfM Extended Technical Commitee on renewable energy and energy efficiency, November 2014 (link)
Stanford Research Seminar, April 2015