Section VI: Managing the Environment

Title: Renewable energy and clean development mechanism projects in the MENA countries

Author(s): Pablo del Rio, Felix Hernandez

Address: Department of Spanish and International Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, Econometrics and History and Economic Institutions, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, C/ Cobertizo de S. Pedro M<á>rtir s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain | Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), C/Pinar 25, Madrid 28006, Spain

Reference: Science,Technology and Sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa pp. 311 - 334

Abstract/Summary: A renewable energy based technological transformation can have beneficial effects for MENA countries. Apart from the environmental advantages of Renewable Energy Sources RES compared to conventional energy sources, RES promise certain socioeconomic benefits, including diversification of energy supply, enhanced regional and rural development opportunities, creation of a domestic industry and employment opportunities. On the other hand, the Clean Development Mechanism CDM was devised in the Kyoto Protocol as an instrument to encourage the realisation of Greenhouse Gas GHG emissions reduction projects with sustainability benefits both socioeconomic and environmental in host countries. This paper analyses the potential contribution of renewable energy CDM projects to a sustainable technological transformation in MENAs. A discussion of the potential benefits of those projects for the region as well as key barriers to their implementation is provided.

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