Potentials and challenges of solar-based cogeneration systems for decentralized production of power, heat, and freshwater in rural MENA regions

• Fully integrated trigeneration systems are not yet deployed in the MENA Region • The key components of trigeneration systems are already proven in MENA. • PVT-based systems support typical rural demands of 9–55 kW of power, and 18–143 kW of heat. • PVT-based systems can generate a typical rural freshwater demand of 8–14 m 3 /day. • Performance of PV/T-based systems in MENA desert climate can be enhanced by PCMs. • The SGSP can support MED and HDH units, water and space heating, and small power cycles. Solar-based cogeneration systems offer a promising pathway for low-carbon, decentralized development in rural areas of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). While fully integrated triple-generation systems remain unimplemented, key components, such as PV mini-grids, PV-powered desalination units, solar pumps, and solar water heaters, have proven effective. PV/T-based systems can generate 9–55 kW of electricity, 18–143 kW of thermal energy, and 8–14 m3 of freshwater per day, aligning with typical rural demands and leveraging the region’s high solar irradiation and brackish groundwater resources. To realize this potential, challenges such as solar intermittency, efficiency losses, high upfront costs, and fossil fuel subsidies must be addressed through field pilots, advanced control strategies, anti-scaling/anti-soiling solutions, cost-effective thermal storage, and innovative financing mechanisms.