The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is expected to attract over $1 trillion in renewable energy investments by 2030. This was stated by Mark Thomas, Group CEO of Bapco Energies, during the Sustainability Forum Middle East in Bahrain earlier this week.
Mohammed Bin Daina, Bahrain’s Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, opened the event. He stressed the importance of cooperation between countries and industries to advance decarbonisation and energy sustainability in the region. The forum also includes workshops on sustainability strategies and climate-related financial disclosures.
Some other renewable energy projects across MENA include the Neom Green Hydrogen Project in Saudi Arabia, designed to produce 650 tons of green hydrogen per day starting in 2026. The facility will be powered by 4 GW of solar and wind energy, making it one of the world’s largest hydrogen production sites.
Additionally, Morocco is developing the Noor Midelt Solar Complex, which combines concentrated solar power (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) systems. The project, expected to generate 800 MW, will provide a stable supply of solar energy even after sunset, because of its thermal storage technology.
Furthermore, the Benban Solar Park in Egypt is one of Africa’s largest solar power projects, with an installed capacity of 1.8 GW. The park consists of over 30 individual solar plants and contributes to Egypt’s target of generating 42% of electricity from renewables by 2035.
In terms of green hydrogen, Oman’s Hyport Duqm Project focuses on green hydrogen production, powered by 500 MW of renewable energy. The project aims to position Oman as a global hydrogen supplier, using electrolysis technology to convert renewable energy into hydrogen fuel.
The Tafila Wind Farm in Jordan has an installed capacity of 117 MW, providing clean electricity for approximately 80,000 households. It plays a role in Jordan’s efforts to reduce energy imports and transition towards locally sourced renewable power.
