Renewable energy education in Middle Eastern and North African universities

This study examines renewable energy education at 29 universities across 9 MENA countries via questionnaires sent to engineering faculties. Results indicate that such courses are mainly concentrated in mechanical, electrical, and energy engineering departments, predominantly taught by Ph.D. holders, with a focus on solar and wind energy. Motivations for teaching include knowledge acquisition, opportunity exploration, and employment prospects. Predominantly master's and bachelor's level courses are offered, with few doctoral programs. Assessment is primarily through written exams, supported by textbooks and research articles. Recommendations include enhancing laboratories, fostering academic collaboration, expanding courses, and increasing practical projects. The MENA educational model aligns more with North American than European standards. • Renewable energy education trends were studied for the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) universities. • Data was generated through surveys conducted across 9 countries of the MENA region. • Motivations and trends of renewable energy courses were studied for these universities. • Comparisons of MENA region renewable energy education was drawn against European and North American universities.