In terms of energy generation, when one thinks of the Middle East renewable energy would not be at the top of the list. Many of the countries in the region are rich in both oil and gas, however, not all countries in the region are equally rich in these resources. Due to this reason and the general drive for renewable energy globally, some countries in the Middle East are expanding their energy resources to include renewables.
In terms of wind energy, the country in the region with the most current wind energy capacity is Iran. Iran has two wind farms totaling ninety-two megawatts. The country is planning for expansion in the coming years in order to increase this capacity to at least four hundred megawatts. However, Iran as a country has the potential wind energy of upwards of 6.5 gigawatts.
Far behind Iran in current wind energy capacity is Israel, which has eight megawatts of installed wind energy. Jordan currently has only two megawatts of wind energy installed. However, experts have stated that many countries in the region have high energy capacity potential from wind, including the aforementioned Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Jordan.
As for the aforementioned Syria, the country is currently working on creating two wind farms. The wind farms would generate a total of 130 megawatts of energy. In addition, Syria has set a goal of attaining 4.3 percent of their energy needs through renewable by the end of this year.
Similarly, Jordan has set a goal for attaining seven percent of their energy needs through renewables by 2015. This goal increases to ten percent for the year 2020. The current capacity of wind of two megawatts is expected to be increased in order to meet this energy goal.
It is not yet known how quickly renewable energy will grow in the region, however, a growing acceptance of alternative energy is expected to help propel it forward.
