2015-11-30-IRENA-Evaluating_Renewable_Energy_Manufacturing_Potential_in_the_Mediterranean_Partner_Countries_172页_3mb

Summary of Renewable Energy Manufacturing Potential in Mediterranean Partner Countries (Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia)

Overall Conclusion:

Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are recognized as possessing strong industrial assets for renewable energy (RE) manufacturing, but face significant barriers such as international competition, insufficient market size, funding limitations, and regulatory challenges. Each country's unique political, economic, and policy frameworks shape their RE potential. The study recommends coordinated efforts at national and regional levels to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, leveraging existing partnerships and initiatives.

Egypt:

• Solar PV: High solar irradiance and a new feed-in tariff framework create potential for growth. However, high international competition from Chinese manufacturers and ambitious local content requirements must be carefully managed to ensure market viability.
• CSP: Egypt is a promising market for CSP, with potential for significant local content in components like mirrors and mounting structures. Challenges include high upfront costs.
• Wind: Strong industrial capabilities in steel tower manufacturing exist, with opportunities for local blade production in the medium term. Grid limitations and project size constraints remain key barriers.

Morocco:

• Solar PV: The market offers opportunities for local manufacturing in mounting structures and BOS components. However, the lack of a clear pipeline for small-scale projects inhibits growth.
• CSP: Large-scale projects under the Moroccan Solar Plan (MSP) support CSP development, but high LCOE costs and technological barriers must be addressed to increase local manufacturing.
• Wind: Strong potential for local manufacturing in towers, and growing interest in blades. The MSP and partnerships with international players like ACWA support development.

Tunisia:

• Solar PV: Significant local content potential exists in cables, electronics, and construction. PV module manufacturing shows niche potential for smaller, localized businesses but requires technological upgrades.
• CSP: High solar potential, supported by the Tunisian Solar Plan (TSP). Local glass and composite industries could produce support structures through R&D partnerships.
• Wind: Proven manufacturing in towers; expansion into blades depends on local expertise growth. FEURB funding helps, but market stability is essential.

Recommendations:

1. Extend Low-Interest Loans: Support domestic SMEs and new production lines by offering financial incentives targeting RE manufacturing.
2. Increase Grid Capacity: Address transmission bottlenecks in all countries to reduce RE curtailment.
3. Promote Joint Ventures: Facilitate regional cooperation and knowledge transfer with international partners to enhance technology access.
4. Support R&D & Training: Implement national R&D funds and vocational programs to build local innovation.
5. Enhance Policy Coordination: Ensure long-term regulatory stability (e.g., consistent FITs) to attract investment and drive regional projects.

Advanced RE clusters must be developed by integrating financing, regulatory reform, and educational programs, mirroring Poland's green industry model.