As renewable energy capacity grows, the region will require significant upgrades to existing energy infrastructure to ensure reliability, stability, and resilience in the face of new energy needs

As the global shift towards renewable energy accelerates, many regions are rethinking their electrical grid infrastructures.

This transition from centralised to decentralised grid systems presents a range of new challenges, particularly in maintaining grid flexibility as renewable energy sources are integrated into existing networks.

This transformation is taking shape across the world, with countries in North America and Europe set to double their renewable energy capacity by 2028.

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is also embracing a renewable energy revolution, with rapid growth and ambitious goals, says a report by Power Technology Research, a market research consultancy focusing on areas within power technology and industrial automation.

But with these advances come significant challenges, notably in grid stability and energy supply management.

GROWTH OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN MEA

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy generation in the MEA region surged by 20 per cent in 2023, with projections indicating a further 23 per cent increase in 2024.

Over the next five years, renewable capacity in this region is expected to triple, driven largely by a select few countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Morocco, and Egypt, which are expected to account for over 90 per cent of the region's growth.

These nations are setting ambitious targets to shift their energy mixes towards more sustainable sources.

For instance, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its energy portfolio, targeting 50 per cent renewables in its energy generation mix by 2030, alongside the introduction of nuclear power.

Similarly, the UAE aims for 12 per cent renewable energy by 2026, rising to 30 per cent by 2030, with considerable investments in solar energy projects, especially in Abu Dhabi.

Egypt, already a regional leader in renewable energy, plans to achieve 42 per cent renewables in its energy mix by 2030, five years ahead of its original target.

Meanwhile, Jordan aims to reach a 30 per cent renewable energy share by 2030, up from around 27 per cent currently, and South Africa has set its sights on 41 per cent renewable energy by the same year, despite challenges related to outdated infrastructure and slower growth in its renewable energy sector.

As these countries ramp up renewable energy capacity, their growing energy demands driven by economic expansion will require significant upgrades to existing energy infrastructure to ensure reliability, stability, and resilience in the face of new energy needs.

CHALLENGES TO GRID STABILITY & FLEXIBILITY

The integration of large-scale renewable energy sources brings with it several challenges. The most pressing of these is the need to maintain grid stability and flexibility.

With renewables like solar and wind power dependent on environmental factors, the supply of electricity can fluctuate significantly, causing issues with voltage stability, curtailment, and balancing supply and demand.

• Interconnecting grids for renewables: One of the most significant challenges for the MEA region lies in the development of robust grid interconnections.

Renewable energy resources are often located in remote areas, far from population centres and existing grid infrastructure.

For instance, solar power plants in the deserts of Saudi Arabia or wind farms along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt require extensive transmission lines to bring this energy to urban areas.

Cross-border transmission lines will be key in ensuring that renewable energy can be shared efficiently between countries.

• Voltage stability: The adoption of renewable energy introduces volatility to grid operations, especially in regions relying on solar power, which generates electricity during daylight hours but is often out of sync with peak demand.

Traditional power plants, such as gas and coal-fired plants, offer grid stabilisation through the inertia provided by their rotating machinery. However, as renewable energy grows, these traditional stabilisers are less available, making it essential to develop new technologies for stabilising voltage and preventing blackouts.

• Energy balance dilemma: The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources exacerbates the challenge of balancing supply and demand.

During periods of high renewable generation, such as midday when solar power output is at its peak, there may be excess electricity, leading to curtailment.

Conversely, at times of low renewable generation, such as during the night or cloudy weather, conventional sources may be needed to meet peak demand, which could compromise the environmental goals of the region.

SOLUTIONS TO ENHANCE GRID FLEXIBILITY

To address these challenges, the MEA region is increasingly investing in new energy technologies that can enhance grid flexibility, enable smoother integration of renewable energy, and ensure reliable electricity delivery.

Key solutions include:

• High-voltage direct current (HVDC): HVDC technology allows for efficient long-distance power transmission, which is particularly crucial in regions with geographically dispersed renewable resources.

By using direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC), HVDC reduces transmission losses and enhances grid stability.

Two primary types of HVDC converters Line Commutated Converters (LCC) and Voltage Source Converters (VSC) are being deployed across the MEA region.

Notable projects include Hitachi Energy's contract for a 3-GW HVDC system in Saudi Arabia’s NEOM city, which will integrate renewable energy and energy storage.

Similarly, Adnoc has implemented subsea HVDC systems to reduce offshore carbon emissions by over 30 per cent, replacing conventional gas turbine generators with sustainable power sources.

• Battery energy storage systems (BESS): As intermittent renewable energy sources can cause supply-demand imbalances, BESS plays a crucial role in smoothing these fluctuations.

BESS can store excess renewable energy when supply outstrips demand and release it when required.

Several major storage projects are underway in the MEA region. For example, Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) plans a 400-MW BESS project to enhance grid flexibility.

Saudi Arabia has also committed to large-scale energy storage systems, including a 1.2-GWh facility at the Red Sea project.

Egypt has joined the energy storage race with a collaboration between Scatec and the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, developing Egypt’s first solar-plus-storage facility.

• Flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTS): FACTS technologies, such as Static Var Compensators (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM), are designed to improve the reliability and stability of transmission networks.

These systems use power electronics to regulate voltage and manage transmission flows, which is particularly important when integrating large amounts of renewable energy.

The MEA region is already seeing investments in FACTS technology, with General Electric (GE) and Alfanar installing a Hybrid STATCOM for the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) in Tabuk, and Hitachi Energy deploying a STATCOM in Egypt to enhance power quality and transmission network capabilities.

THE PATH AHEAD: POLICY & INVESTMENT CHALLENGES

Despite the technological advances, the successful transition to a renewable energy future in the MEA region will require comprehensive policy support and investments.

Governments must create favourable conditions for the development of grid flexibility technologies, including clear policies and regulations for energy storage systems, as well as incentives for private sector investment.

Countries in the MEA region that are heavily reliant on conventional energy sources, such as South Africa and Egypt, may face additional challenges due to aging infrastructure and a slower pace of renewable energy adoption.

These nations may need government funding and international support to ensure a smooth transition to a low-carbon future.

Moreover, addressing power quality standards and establishing a coherent policy framework for grid modernisation and renewable energy integration will be crucial for ensuring that renewable energy technologies can be effectively deployed across the region.

CONCLUSION

The Middle East and Africa are experiencing a surge in renewable energy capacity, driven by ambitious targets and substantial investments.

However, as renewable energy becomes a larger share of the energy mix, maintaining grid flexibility and stability is essential for ensuring reliable electricity supply.

The adoption of technologies such as HVDC, BESS, and FACTS will play a key role in overcoming the challenges of decentralised energy systems, allowing the MEA region to harness the full potential of renewable energy. With continued investments, supportive policies, and regional cooperation, the MEA can build a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the economy.

By Abdulaziz Khattak