AECID - Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo

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In the near future, the demand for energy is expected to rise by 120% in the countries around the Mediterranean basin, as a consequence of population growth and of the needs arising from the economic expansion of the countries in the area.

On the other hand, the countries around the Mediterranean enjoy optimal conditions for the use and development of renewable energies, as a local, non-contaminating resource, which, at the same time, would contribute to their self-sufficiency in terms of energy supplies. In this context, renewable energies and energy efficiency are of vital importance, especially in countries where the degree of development of energy infrastructure is still very limited.

The implementation of renewable energies can be of great benefit for bringing electricity to isolated population centres that lack access to the national grid, or to systems for the production and distribution of water. Thus, the depopulation of rural zones may also be combated. Another possibility in this respect could be to install electricity plants based upon solar energy or wind power.

 

It is noteworthy that the countries to the South and East of the Mediterranean, as a whole, are inefficient in energy production and use; according to forecasts, this will result in increasing risks to the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to inform consumers about ways of increasing energy efficiency and to develop local capabilities to promote the rational use of energy in general and of renewable energies in particular, as well as of cleaner, more efficient technologies.

The actions to be undertaken in the framework of the Azahar Programme will be focused on the following areas:

• Support for the use of renewable energies, including wind power, solar thermal energy, photovoltaic solar energy, mini hydroelectric plants, geothermal power plants and the conversion of biomass into fuels.
• Promotion of the efficient utilisation of different sources of energy.
• Strengthening of training capacities and promotion of the installation and utilization of renewable energies.
• Inclusion of the fight against climate change.
• Development of feasibility studies to introduce electricity-generating systems based on renewable energies.