Climate (MENA) 
Egypt Edition 
UAE Edition 
Saudi Edition 
MENA <> India Corridor 
Logistics (MENA) 
Share
Read Full Issue 
The world saw an increase of 473 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2023 reaching a total capacity of 3.8 TW, according to a recent International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) report (pdf).Renewable energy accounted for 86% of global capacity additions, but the increase is distributed unevenly across the world.
The major players: Renewable energyexpansion was led by Asia which added 326 GW in capacity, representing 69% of the global increase. This growth was driven by China, whose capacity increased by 63%, reaching 297.6 GW. The Middle East saw a 16% increase — or 5 GW. Africa saw 4.6% in growth, reaching a total capacity of 62 GW.
Who’s leading MENA’s renewables expansion? Saudi Arabia and the UAE had the bigger share of the capacity expansion in the region in 2023, with Saudi expanding its capacity 210% to 2.7GW in 2023, and UAE reaching a 67% increase to 6 GW. Tunisia also raised its capacity by 60% to 817 MW.
The rest of the region is trying to keep up: Egypt’s capacity saw a slight increase of 6% to 6.7 GW, Morocco’s capacity increased 10% to 4.1 GW, and Oman and Iran both saw a 2% increase to 722 MW and 12.7 GW respectively.
Solar is leading the boom: The spike in solar energy capacity in the region spearheaded the increase in renewable energy additions in the region in 2023. Saudi increased its solar capacity 420% to 2.3 GW, Tunisia’s capacity jumped 150% to 506 MW, while UAE saw a 65% rise to 5.9 GW.
Some country’s solar plans are lagging: Morrocco’s solar energy capacity increased 10% to 934 MW andEgypt’s increased by 7% to 1.9 GW. Oman came in last with only a 2% increase to 672 MW in 2023.
Wind power was also sizable: The region saw a slight increase in wind energy additions with the UAE, adding an initial 104 MW of capacity. Morocco and Egypt also increased their capacity by 15% and 19% respectively, each reaching around 1.9 GW. Iran also saw a slight increase of 6% to 365 MW.
Bioenergy and hydropower also got a boost: Egypt boosted its bioenergy outcome by 6% to 131 MW while UAE saw a significant 160% jump to 24% in 2023. Iran also increased its hydropower capacity 1% to 12.7 GW.
