At the recently held 32nd Assilah International Cultural Festival in Morocco, an event was dedicated to addressing the current state and the future of renewable energy in the countries of Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA). Hosting the conference, UAE based Masdar has underlined the importance of renweable energy as the technology of the future for MENA countries. Called "Renewable Energy – A Leap Towards Human Development", the conference gathered speakers and guests from around the world. Many regard the successful conference as a milestone for MENA, as the region is embarking on major RE developments in the future (most significant of which is DESERTEC).

Many countries in the MENA region are beginning to understand the long-term benefits of renewable energy sources, both from an economic and social perspective. Masdar CEO, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, stated that renewables such as solar and wind, have strong potential to create a sustainable economy and society in the MENA countries.

Masdar is currently involved in several renewable energy projects, most notable of which is the London Array offshore wind farm, to be built in the Thames estuary, to eventually have 1 GW of installed capacity.

[source: Masdar]