Solar energy potential assessment in the MENA and Mediterranean Regions

Abstract Assessing the solar energy potential in the MENA/Mediterranean regions is of paramount importance, especially considering the environmental and economic benefits of solar energy sources. By examining the potential specific to these regions, we can provide valuable insights into the feasibility and potential for solar energy development, contributing to the overall renewable energy assessment and development. This research provides a granular assessment of solar energy potential across the MENA and Mediterranean regions by developing a solar potential zoning framework based on advanced clustering techniques applied to NASA POWER data. Our analysis of Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) delineated eight distinct zones, revealing a significant spatial gradient in solar resource availability. Annual average GHI values range from 4.57 kWh/m 2 /day in Zone 4 to 6.46 kWh/m 2 /day in Zone 8. These GHI levels correspond to photovoltaic (PV) specific yields of 1,334 kWh/kWp/year and 1,886 kWh/kWp/year, respectively, with high-potential zones (2, 3, 6, and 8) exhibiting yields above 1,730 kWh/kWp/year, highlighting their economic attractiveness for PV deployment. Analysis of Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) identified nine zones, with the highest DNI levels observed in Zones 4, 1, and 8, exceeding 6.3 kWh/m 2 /day, which are particularly suitable for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies, offering annual generation per unit area up to 31% higher than lower DNI regions. The developed zoning maps and quantitative findings for strategic planning, guiding investment and policy towards maximizing solar energy adoption and contributing to the region's energy security and sustainability goals.