In a region known for oil and gas, the clean energy race is officially on. Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), governments are pumping billions into renewables. The pledges are loud. But who’s actually delivering?
This isn’t about net zero PR. It’s about real generation capacity, infrastructure on the ground, and projects that are already reshaping the energy mix.
Let’s look at the country’s leading the charge in the region, and those still warming up.
Morocco: The early mover
Morocco generates around 37% of its electricity from renewables, hydro, wind and a growing solar share. It hosts Africa’s flagship Noor Ouarzazate complex, the world’s largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plant, and is planning the 800 MW Noor Midelt.
With a target of 52% renewables by 2030, Morocco is not just setting goals—it’s ahead of schedule.
UAE: Capital-heavy and fast-moving
Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is on track to hit 5 GW by 2030, with over 2.6 GW already online. Masdar’s clean energy portfolio spans more than 20 GW globally, with a target of 100 GW by 2030. The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 pledge is backed by both capital and policy support.
Additionally, under the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, Dubai is targeting 100% clean energy by 2050, with 25% clean energy by 2030,and will support this through projects like the MBR Solar Park.
They’re not just building locally. They’re exporting green expertise.
Egypt: Scaling rapidly
Egypt’s Benban Solar Park is a 1.65 GW solar behemoth—one of the world’s largest. With renewables supplying 20% of national electricity and a 42% by 2035 target, Egypt is powering ahead. Wind projects along the Gulf of Suez and a wave of green hydrogen partnerships round out a strong clean energy push.
Saudi Arabia: Ambition meets momentum
Saudi Arabia is building big: 13 GW of renewables under development, including the Sakaka and Sudair solar plants and the world’s largest green hydrogen plant at NEOM. But actual renewable generation remains below 3%. The ambition is real, but delivery is just beginning.
Chasing pack: Jordan, Oman, Qatar
- Jordan has over 1.1 GW of installed renewable capacity and was among the first to liberalise its energy market.
- Oman has ramped up its green hydrogen ambitions and is planning over 10 GW in renewable-linked hydrogen by 2030.
- Qatar has brought the 800 MW Al Kharsaah solar park online to support World Cup sustainability goals, but broader renewables integration is still slow.
These nations have the policy intent and pilot momentum but need scale.
Verdict: Winners build, not just talk
MENA’s clean energy race isn’t theory, it’s already underway. Morocco, the UAE, and Egypt are proving that speed and scale win.
