MEA renewable energy growth drives demand for grid flexibility

As renewable energy capacity grows, the region will require significant upgrades to existing energy infrastructure to ensure reliability, stability, and resilience in the face of new energy needs

- ABDULAZIZ KHATTAK

AS the global shift towards renewable energy accelerates, many regions are rethinking their electrical grid infrastructures.

This transition from centralised to decentralised grid systems presents a range of new challenges, particularly in maintaining grid flexibility as renewable energy sources are integrated into existing networks.

This transformation is taking shape across the world, with countries in North America and Europe set to double their renewable energy capacity by 2028.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is also embracing a renewable energy revolution, with rapid growth and ambitious goals, says a report by Power Technology Research, a market research consultancy focusing on areas within power technology and industrial automation.

But with these advances come significant challenges, notably in grid stability and energy supply management.

GROWTH OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN MEA

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy generation in the MEA region surged by 20 per cent in 2023, with projections indicating a further 23 per cent increase in 2024.

Over the next five years, renewable capacity in this region is expected to triple, driven largely by a select few countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco, and Egypt, which are expected to account for over 90 per cent of the region's growth.

These nations are setting ambitious targets to shift their energy mixes towards more sustainable sources.

For instance, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its energy portfolio, targeting 50 per cent renewables in its energy generation mix by 2030, alongside the introduction of nuclear power.

Similarly, the UAE aims for 12 per cent renewable energy by 2026, rising to 30 per cent by 2030, with considerable investments in solar energy projects, especially in Abu Dhabi.