Feb 15 β€’ 06:00 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

The 10 Most Important Solar Power Plants Lighting Millions of Homes in Arab Countries

The article discusses the significance of solar energy in providing electricity to millions of people in Arab countries, highlighting its role in reducing emissions and improving living conditions.

The article outlines the crucial role that clean energy plays in reducing emissions and providing reliable electricity to communities lacking access to it, especially in regions where many people still live without power. As of now, approximately 666 million individuals remain in the dark, with over 85% of them located in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, around 1.5 billion people in rural areas rely on unsafe and inefficient cooking methods, such as burning wood or dung, which poses health risks. The lack of clean cooking solutions is expected to grow by 14 million people annually in sub-Saharan Africa due to population increase.

On the other hand, advancements in the transition to clean energy continue to progress. The article notes that the compounded capacity of renewable energy sources per person has been growing each year, reaching a record level of 341 watts per person in developing countries, up from 155 watts in 2015. In this context, International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts indicate that photovoltaic solar energy will account for around 80% of the global increase in renewable energy capacity over the next five years, driven by decreasing costs and expedited licensing processes. The global renewable capacity is projected to increase by about 4,600 gigawatts in total.

The emphasis on solar power highlights its potential to address energy poverty in the Arab world and beyond, suggesting significant implications for both environmental sustainability and socio-economic development. Leveraging solar energy can improve the quality of life for millions, especially those in marginalized communities without access to reliable energy sources, thereby promoting broader development objectives and reducing inequality in energy access across regions.

πŸ“‘ Similar Coverage