To extend the green vibes from the International Clean Energy Day held  Friday, January 26th, MED-GEM Network invites you to listen our first podcast. In this episode, Frank Wouters welcomes Dr. Jauad El Kharraz, the Executive Director of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), both explore various aspects of the green energy transition in the Mediterranean region, focusing on renewable electricity, delves into gigawatt projects feasibility studies, cost of production, and sustainable energy investment for green hydrogen production in the MENA region.

🎙️ Listen to the podcast

Dr. El Kharraz, with a background in physics, is recognized for expertise in renewable electricity and water desalination. The discussion begins by acknowledging the 15th anniversary of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the significance of the first International Day of Renewable Energy. Dr. El Kharraz's extensive experience in the industry, particularly in the areas of renewable electricity and water desalination, positions him as a valuable expert for the emerging green hydrogen projects in the region.

RCREEE, as an intergovernmental organization with 17 member countries, is dedicated to supporting the energy transition process. The center provides technical assistance, policy strategies, capacity building, and facilitates access to finance, among other activities. Dr. El Kharraz highlights the importance of RCREEE's role in assessing the progress of member states through indicators like the Arab Future Energy Index (AFEX).

The interview touches on the progress made by various countries in the region, such as Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan, in achieving their renewable energy goals. Dr. El Kharraz emphasizes the geopolitical challenges faced by some countries, like Yemen and Syria, and discusses ongoing projects aimed at assisting them in their energy transition.

The conversation delves into the potential of green hydrogen in the Mediterranean region and the challenges associated with water scarcity. Dr. El Kharraz explains the efforts to address these concerns, including technological advancements in water desalination.

Further discussion revolves around the differences in focus among member states, with some prioritizing energy access while others explore large-scale green hydrogen projects. The interview also touches on the role of international cooperation, the importance of stable legislation, and the need for continuous updates in regulatory frameworks to attract investments.

The conversation concludes with insights into the financial aspects of renewable energy projects. Dr. El Kharraz emphasizes the significance of reforms, incentives, and the role of organizations like RCREEE in assisting countries in accessing finance for their projects. The discussion ends by addressing the potential of the Mediterranean region to become a hub for green industrial development, emphasizing the need for local content and technological localization to fully realize the benefits of the green economy.