The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) plays a central role in the global energy transition, as the region has abundant renewable energy potential. At the same time, many countries in the region are also important oil and gas producers. In cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Researcher Sibel Raquel Ersoy and Dr. Julia Terrapon-Pfaff, Co-Head of the Research Unit International Energy Transition at the Wuppertal Institute, have analysed the energy transformation process within the MENA region in ten country studies. The "Sustainable Transformation of Energy Systems in MENA Countries: Comparative Report" summarises the most important results and were presented at a virtual launch event on 20 June 2022. During the conference "Sustainable Transformation of Jordan's Energy System," which was held afterwards, the authors also presented the updated country report on Jordan together with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Manfred Fischedick, Scientific Managing Director of the Wuppertal Institute. The conference brought together leading experts, government representatives from the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and independent stakeholders to discuss the future of the energy system in Jordan.

The analysis of the studies builds on the phase model for the energy transition in MENA countries developed by the Wuppertal Institute. The model structures the complex transformation process through a series of successive phases. It aims to provide a basis for developing strategies for a transition to a renewable energy-based energy system in the MENA countries. The analyses show that most MENA countries have already taken first steps towards the energy transition. However, fossil energy sources continue to play a dominant role in the energy sector and also in the economy as a whole in most countries. To advance the energy transition towards renewables, necessary framework conditions must be created, for example to promote the private sector's participation and investments. But also flexibility options need to be considered to support the transformation process. The results of the analysis along the phase model are intended to stimulate the discussion on the future energy system in the countries by providing an overarching vision for the energy transition and thus supporting the development of consistent policy strategies.

The studies are subsequently available under the link below.