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Mediterranean Electricity Ring - Investments to Achieve Common Objective

Global Arab Network - - Rabih Serrai

Friday, 16 April 2010 14:28

The EU-funded MED-EMIP project has submitted the final draft of its update study on the Mediterranean Electric Ring (MEDRING), “providing short-term recommendations which are quantifiable, measurable and most likely achievable within a period of five years, as well as laying the foundation for larger investments to achieve a common and jointly supported objective.”

The overall objective of the study was to source, update and analyse performance data of the electricity sector of 22 countries and territories forming the Mediterranean ring in support of a 2010 communication of the European Commission concerning improved integration of the electricity market. It took into account recent developments with respect to diversification of the primary energy mix for electricity generation and EC directives enabling the export of electricity from renewable energy resources by non EU members of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) into the EU.

“Comparing the present situation with the outcome of previous studies, it becomes clear that progress towards the closure of the Mediterranean Electricity Ring has been quite poor,” the study says. “This is remarkable, considering the stakeholders’ general consensus that a closure of the ring and an increased trading of energy are highly desirable.”

In a press release, MED-EMIP said MEDRING update activities and recommendations were inseparable from activities of the Mediterranean Solar Plan under the UfM or any other national activities such as DESERTEC and various other EC coordinated and managed projects in support of promoting solar power activities in the region.

The study is separated into four volumes:

Volume I summarizes the situation of the power systems in the 24 countries covered.

Volume II presents an overview of the remaining technical challenges for closing the Ring and constructing dedicated power line corridors connecting the states of the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea with the EU by high voltage direct current (HVDC) submarine cables.

Volume III discusses the most likely financial implications of two borderline scenarios resulting from the establishment of a large scale solar and wind power industry in the Mediterranean partner countries, satisfying increasing power demand in the region as well as exploring the opportunity of power export into the EU.

Volume IV presents a visualisation of the rather rugged and in parts very deep Mediterranean seabed, based on 2 million coordinates.

MED-EMIP is a platform for energy policy dialogue and exchange of experiences, leading to enhanced Euro-Med cooperation, integration of the energy markets and improved security and sustainability. It is funded by the EU with a budget of € 4.1 million and runs between 2007 and 2010.

Global Arab Network

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