1. Trends and Challenges of Sustainable Energy Research in the MENA Region Yasser G. Hegazy Dean, Faculty of Information Engineering and Technology German University in Cairo 9/3/2012 DISEM workshop, Tunisia 2012 1

2. OUTLINE Introduction Research Projects’ Themes. Obstacles. Important Issues. Conclusions 9/3/2012 DISEM workshop, Tunisia 2012 2

3. Introduction While the MENA region has shortage in fossil resources, it is blessed with overwhelming distributed renewable energy sources. This offers a unique opportunity of technological advancing in the energy field. “Improved access to clean modern energy in the region is a fundamental step to poverty reduction” Advanced and technical know-how and resources of the industrialized nations can facilitate to achieve sustainable development and the desired goals in the Region. 9/3/2012 DISEM workshop, Tunisia 2012 3

4. Research Themes Technology Transfer, main categories are  Technologies that are currently applicable for world-wide cost-effective application (energy efficient buildings, off-grid PV, commercial solar water heating)  Technologies in need of minor development (solar thermal power stations, wind energy ) The missing Category is Innovative Research  New technologies with a view to long term energy sustainability (RE hydrogen, better batteries and other storage systems, as well as ocean current, wave and tidal power) 9/3/2012 DISEM workshop, Tunisia 2012 4

5. Obstacles The main obstacles are Lack of national research funding agencies. The huge gap between research centers and industry. Unclear planning for long term national projects. Unavailability of local Experts. Market: The market penetration of renewable energies is neither directly related to the availability of renewable energy resources, nor to the availability of renewable energy technologies. Other, partially undefined aspects seem to play a role. 9/3/2012 DISEM workshop, Tunisia 2012 5

6. Important Issues Unavailability of water and needs for water engineering and water education.(Almost all RE applications need running water) The urgent need for Unified Policies and Regulations. Public Energy Awareness Writing research proposals and formulating research objectives. 9/3/2012 DISEM workshop, Tunisia 2012 6

7. Conclusions Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) are the foundation for progress and change toward sustainable energy systems that eradicate energy poverty in the our region, protect the global life-supporting systems and reduce the risk of geopolitical conflicts over fossil fuel resources. 9/3/2012 DISEM workshop, Tunisia 2012 7