Egypt and Saudi Arabia advance a significant power grid interconnection, enhancing regional energy exchange and cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two of the most powerful countries in the Arab world, have long enjoyed strong diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations. The two nations’ cooperation on regional security issues has further cemented their …
Read More »Iran’s Renewable Energy Prospects and Challenges
Iran’s renewable energy sector now produces less than one percent of the nation’s total electricity, far less than its neighbors Amid the multiple crises roiling the Middle East, Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian also faces important decisions about his country’s energy destiny. Characterized by excessive reliance on fossil fuels and frequent power …
Read More »Breaking Down Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Climate Agenda
After decades of growing rich on oil exports, Riyadh recognizes that it must adapt to a changing climate and global economy if the Kingdom—and Saudi leaders are betting big. In the last half-decade, Saudi Arabia has deliberately set out to realize a green economy and achieve an energy transition that …
Read More »Azerbaijan’s green shift: Energy transition, COP29 commitments, and US collaboration
The following article is based on research conducted under the State Department’s Title VIII Fellowship, for the Black Sea Program at MEI. During summer 2024, the author traveled to Baku and Karabakh and interviewed 15 policymakers from various government ministries, the private sector, academia, the parliament, and energy agencies. Azerbaijan …
Read More »Powering Politics: The Crucial Role of Energy Security in the U.S. Presidential Race
In the run-up to the next U.S. presidential elections, energy security is becoming an increasingly important issue. Candidates’ suggested methods for improving energy security are being closely examined as they present their energy agendas. While some place greater emphasis on attaining energy independence, others give priority to more general goals …
Read More »Amid a Climate in Crisis, the UAE Doubles Down on Renewable Energy
The United Arab Emirates has decided to leverage its immense wealth to bring about a green revolution, but staying the path will require an enduring commitment. As increasingly devastating climate events underline the need to transition away from fossil fuels, the rapid and sustainable development of renewable energy resources has …
Read More »Powering up: Turkey-Iraq transmission line is part of a broader strategic shift
On July 21, 2024, Baghdad inaugurated a new power line connecting Turkey and Iraq to handle Turkish electricity imports. This 115-kilometer (71-mile) transmission line is expected to deliver 300 megawatts of energy to a power station west of Mosul with the aim of supplying northern Iraq, including the regions of Nineveh, Salahuddin, and …
Read More »Charting a Course: Türkiye’s Ambitious Plan for Middle Corridor Trade Expansion
Dr. Umud Shokri,Dr. Serhat Suha Cubukcuoglu,Sultan AlRubaei Amidst rising tensions and disruptions to maritime trade along the Mediterranean-Indian Ocean route, another trade corridor that roughly coincides with the ancient Silk Road has once again heightened in importance: The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), is …
Read More »Iran’s Renewable Energy Aspirations and Geopolitical Challenges
Iran has realized the value of its vast renewable energy potential—but serious international and institutional obstacles threaten to derail Tehran’s green energy plans before they gain momentum. Although Iran is one of the world’s largest producers of fossil fuels, the Islamic Republic has increasingly focused on renewable energy to address its growing …
Read More »Navigating Energy Transition: Azerbaijan’s Role in COP29 and Global Partnerships
Historically reliant on its abundant gas and oil resources, Azerbaijan is currently experiencing a significant energy transition aimed at enhancing sustainability and broadening its energy composition. The country has made large investments in hydroelectric, solar, and wind power to meet its ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy …
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