50 regions Middle East constructing solar power plants.
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Writer AndyKim
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Date 25-02-06 11:28
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Below is a list of 50 candidate regions in the Middle East that are considered promising for constructing solar power plants. These selections are based on factors such as high solar irradiance, vast expanses of flat or lightly vegetated land, favorable desert or semi-arid climates, and supportive national and regional renewable energy policies. As with any renewable energy project, it is essential to conduct detailed, site-specific feasibility studies—including solar resource assessments, grid connectivity analyses, environmental impact evaluations, and reviews of local planning regulations—before proceeding.
For clarity, the list is organized by country:
---
### **Saudi Arabia (10 Locations)**
1. **Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter)**
- **Overview:** The world’s largest contiguous sand desert with exceptionally high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Vast, flat terrain; minimal cloud cover; ideal for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
2. **Nafud Desert**
- **Overview:** A red sand desert in northern Saudi Arabia with clear skies and consistent sun hours.
- **Key Points:** Extensive open land; high daily solar exposure; low population density.
3. **Riyadh Region (Central Saudi Arabia)**
- **Overview:** Areas surrounding the capital feature large desert tracts and a mature grid.
- **Key Points:** Reliable high solar irradiance; proximity to industrial and urban centers; supportive infrastructure.
4. **Qassim Province**
- **Overview:** A predominantly desert region with a mix of agricultural and open lands.
- **Key Points:** Consistent sun hours; opportunities for both distributed and utility-scale systems; growing renewable interest.
5. **Hail Province**
- **Overview:** Located in north-central Saudi Arabia, known for its wide-open desert landscapes.
- **Key Points:** High solar potential with minimal shading; abundant flat areas; strategic for regional projects.
6. **Tabuk Province**
- **Overview:** Northwestern region with arid conditions and vast desert expanses.
- **Key Points:** Clear skies and high sun exposure; large undeveloped lands; regional governmental support.
7. **Al-Jawf Province**
- **Overview:** A sparsely populated area offering extensive flat desert terrain.
- **Key Points:** Excellent solar resource; low environmental conflict; ideal for large PV installations.
8. **Northern Borders Province**
- **Overview:** Far-northern Saudi Arabia with expansive desert landscapes and high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Abundant available land; minimal urban interference; opportunities for off-grid and grid-connected projects.
9. **Al-Ahsa Oasis Surroundings**
- **Overview:** Beyond the famous oasis, the adjacent desert areas have strong solar potential.
- **Key Points:** Reliable sun hours; integration with existing energy infrastructure; potential for hybrid projects.
10. **Dammam Region (Eastern Province Outskirts)**
- **Overview:** Peripheral desert areas around Dammam offer open, flat lands ideal for solar development.
- **Key Points:** High insolation; proximity to major industrial and port facilities; established grid connectivity.
---
### **United Arab Emirates (10 Locations)**
11. **Al Dhafra Region (Abu Dhabi)**
- **Overview:** A vast area in western Abu Dhabi with some of the highest solar irradiance in the UAE.
- **Key Points:** Expansive flat desert; long daily sun hours; supported by national renewable initiatives.
12. **Liwa Oasis Area**
- **Overview:** Located at the edge of the Rub’ al Khali, featuring extensive desert plains.
- **Key Points:** Extremely high insolation; abundant open land; minimal shading and population.
13. **Madinat Zayed Area**
- **Overview:** Part of the Al Dhafra region offering large contiguous tracts of desert land.
- **Key Points:** Excellent for utility-scale installations; proximity to future transmission projects; stable climate.
14. **Ruwais Industrial Zone**
- **Overview:** An established industrial area with peripheral desert lands suitable for PV farms.
- **Key Points:** Access to energy infrastructure; high solar exposure; potential for hybrid industrial–solar projects.
15. **Ghayathi Region**
- **Overview:** A rural desert area in western Abu Dhabi with vast open spaces.
- **Key Points:** Consistent high sun hours; available large plots; supportive local planning policies.
16. **Al Mirfa Area**
- **Overview:** Coastal and desert region with a hot, dry climate in western UAE.
- **Key Points:** Excellent solar resource; low humidity; ideal for both fixed and tracking PV systems.
17. **Ruwais/Al Dhafra Corridor**
- **Overview:** A continuous stretch of desert land linking Ruwais with central Al Dhafra.
- **Key Points:** Maximizes solar capture; easy grid access; suitable for large-scale arrays.
18. **Al Jafiliya Area**
- **Overview:** A lesser-known desert location in Abu Dhabi with flat terrain and high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Low land cost; scalable projects; consistent solar yield.
19. **Al Maqta Region**
- **Overview:** Central Abu Dhabi region with a mix of open agricultural and desert lands.
- **Key Points:** Dual-use (agrivoltaic) potential; reliable sun exposure; proximity to rural infrastructure.
20. **Al Falah Area**
- **Overview:** Open desert area within Abu Dhabi known for its stable, high sunshine duration.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for both commercial and community-scale projects; low environmental impact; strong government interest.
---
### **Israel (5 Locations)**
21. **Negev Desert**
- **Overview:** Southern Israel’s vast desert region with one of the highest solar potentials in the country.
- **Key Points:** Minimal cloud cover; large, open lands; already home to several pilot projects.
22. **Arava Valley**
- **Overview:** A narrow valley with abundant sunlight and minimal rainfall.
- **Key Points:** Consistent solar resource; suitable for both distributed and centralized solar; growing renewable initiatives.
23. **Eilat Area**
- **Overview:** The southernmost city, enjoying clear skies and intense sunlight.
- **Key Points:** High solar irradiance; potential for off-grid and grid-connected PV; strong tourism synergy.
24. **Ramon Crater Area**
- **Overview:** A unique high-altitude region in the Negev with exceptional solar exposure.
- **Key Points:** Enhanced panel efficiency at altitude; vast open spaces; opportunities for experimental solar projects.
25. **Sde Boker Area**
- **Overview:** Historic site in the Negev with extensive desert land and high solar potential.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for community-scale projects; high insolation; integration with sustainable tourism.
---
### **Jordan (5 Locations)**
26. **Wadi Rum**
- **Overview:** Iconic desert valley with dramatic landscapes and intense sunlight.
- **Key Points:** High solar irradiance; vast open spaces; potential for off-grid and community projects.
27. **Petra Area**
- **Overview:** Surrounding the ancient city of Petra, characterized by arid, sunny conditions.
- **Key Points:** Consistent solar resource; potential for hybrid renewable projects; cultural integration.
28. **Mafraq Region**
- **Overview:** Northern Jordan’s desert area with abundant clear skies.
- **Key Points:** Large, flat lands; excellent for utility-scale PV; growing government support.
29. **Amman Outskirts (Desert Fringe)**
- **Overview:** The semi-arid periphery of the capital with available open lands.
- **Key Points:** Good solar exposure; opportunities for distributed generation; proximity to urban grid.
30. **Azraq Basin**
- **Overview:** A basin in eastern Jordan with arid conditions and high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Vast open terrain; suitable for large-scale solar farms; potential to support local energy needs.
---
### **Oman (5 Locations)**
31. **Al Wusta Region**
- **Overview:** A central desert region in Oman with expansive flat lands.
- **Key Points:** High solar irradiance; low population density; ideal for utility-scale projects.
32. **Omani Desert Near Mahout**
- **Overview:** A desert area characterized by clear skies and extensive open land.
- **Key Points:** Excellent solar resource; potential for both ground-mounted and hybrid systems; strategic location.
33. **Sohar Region (Inland Zones)**
- **Overview:** Areas surrounding the port city of Sohar with high solar potential.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for industrial and utility-scale installations; supportive local infrastructure; strong grid connectivity.
34. **Ibri Region**
- **Overview:** A less developed area with vast desert expanses and consistent sunshine.
- **Key Points:** Abundant land availability; high insolation; opportunities for off-grid and grid-connected projects.
35. **Al Batinah Inland Areas**
- **Overview:** Inland parts of the coastal Al Batinah region with semi-arid conditions.
- **Key Points:** Reliable solar resource; potential for large-scale installations; proximity to industrial zones.
---
### **Qatar (3 Locations)**
36. **Al Shahaniya**
- **Overview:** An inland desert area with consistently clear skies and high solar irradiance.
- **Key Points:** Vast open spaces; ideal for utility-scale PV; low population density.
37. **Dukhan Area**
- **Overview:** A region known for its oil and gas fields but with significant solar potential on surrounding lands.
- **Key Points:** High sun exposure; opportunities for industrial solar projects; strategic location near energy hubs.
38. **Mesaieed Industrial Zone Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Peripheral areas around the industrial zone offering open desert terrain.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for large-scale solar farms; strong grid connectivity; supportive government incentives.
---
### **Kuwait (3 Locations)**
39. **Mubarak Al-Kabeer Area**
- **Overview:** A desert region in southern Kuwait with high solar potential.
- **Key Points:** Abundant clear skies; extensive flat lands; ideal for utility-scale PV.
40. **Jahra District**
- **Overview:** Northern desert region with consistently high solar irradiance.
- **Key Points:** Large, underutilized lands; low environmental constraints; strategic for regional energy projects.
41. **Sabah Al Salem Industrial Zone Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Peripheral industrial areas with open desert suitable for solar installations.
- **Key Points:** High sun hours; integration with industrial energy demands; potential for hybrid projects.
---
### **Turkey (3 Locations; Part of the Greater Middle East)**
42. **Konya Plain**
- **Overview:** A vast agricultural region with high solar irradiance and extensive flat lands.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for utility-scale solar farms; supportive agricultural policies; large unshaded areas.
43. **Southeastern Anatolia (Adıyaman Region)**
- **Overview:** A semi-arid region with abundant sunlight in southeastern Turkey.
- **Key Points:** High solar resource; opportunities for distributed and central solar projects; regional development support.
44. **Şanlıurfa Region**
- **Overview:** Located in southeastern Turkey with arid conditions and high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Vast open lands; consistent solar yield; growing interest in renewable energy investments.
---
### **Iran (3 Locations)**
45. **Dasht-e Lut (Lut Desert)**
- **Overview:** One of the hottest and driest places on Earth with extreme solar irradiance.
- **Key Points:** Vast, flat desert; minimal cloud cover; high potential for large-scale solar projects.
46. **Kavir National Park Area**
- **Overview:** A desert region in central Iran with high sun hours and low humidity.
- **Key Points:** Excellent solar resource; extensive open terrain; potential for hybrid renewable projects.
47. **Khuzestan Province (Flat, Sun-Drenched Areas)**
- **Overview:** A region in southwestern Iran known for its oil fields and abundant sunshine.
- **Key Points:** High solar irradiance; available industrial and rural lands; integration with existing energy infrastructure.
---
### **Egypt (3 Locations; Often Considered Part of the Middle East)**
48. **Western Desert Near Siwa Oasis**
- **Overview:** Vast desert regions with exceptionally high solar exposure.
- **Key Points:** Extensive flat lands; minimal cloud cover; ideal for utility-scale PV projects.
49. **Eastern Desert Near Hurghada**
- **Overview:** Arid regions with consistent sun hours and proximity to coastal urban centers.
- **Key Points:** High insolation; available large plots; potential for both on-grid and off-grid systems.
50. **Sinai Peninsula (North Sinai)**
- **Overview:** A desert region with high solar irradiance and strategic importance for energy export.
- **Key Points:** Vast open space; reliable sun; opportunities for cross-border energy initiatives.
---
**Final Considerations:**
- **Local Regulations & Incentives:** Each country in the Middle East has its own regulatory framework and financial incentives for renewable energy projects. It is crucial to engage with local authorities and energy agencies to understand permitting processes and available subsidies.
- **Site-Specific Evaluations:** Detailed feasibility studies—including solar resource mapping, grid connectivity analysis, environmental impact assessments, and economic evaluations—are essential to determine the optimal project scale and design for each location.
This comprehensive list of 50 candidate regions provides a starting point for exploring solar power opportunities across the Middle East. Each region’s unique climatic, geographical, and regulatory characteristics should be carefully analyzed to determine the best fit for your specific project requirements.
For clarity, the list is organized by country:
---
### **Saudi Arabia (10 Locations)**
1. **Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter)**
- **Overview:** The world’s largest contiguous sand desert with exceptionally high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Vast, flat terrain; minimal cloud cover; ideal for utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
2. **Nafud Desert**
- **Overview:** A red sand desert in northern Saudi Arabia with clear skies and consistent sun hours.
- **Key Points:** Extensive open land; high daily solar exposure; low population density.
3. **Riyadh Region (Central Saudi Arabia)**
- **Overview:** Areas surrounding the capital feature large desert tracts and a mature grid.
- **Key Points:** Reliable high solar irradiance; proximity to industrial and urban centers; supportive infrastructure.
4. **Qassim Province**
- **Overview:** A predominantly desert region with a mix of agricultural and open lands.
- **Key Points:** Consistent sun hours; opportunities for both distributed and utility-scale systems; growing renewable interest.
5. **Hail Province**
- **Overview:** Located in north-central Saudi Arabia, known for its wide-open desert landscapes.
- **Key Points:** High solar potential with minimal shading; abundant flat areas; strategic for regional projects.
6. **Tabuk Province**
- **Overview:** Northwestern region with arid conditions and vast desert expanses.
- **Key Points:** Clear skies and high sun exposure; large undeveloped lands; regional governmental support.
7. **Al-Jawf Province**
- **Overview:** A sparsely populated area offering extensive flat desert terrain.
- **Key Points:** Excellent solar resource; low environmental conflict; ideal for large PV installations.
8. **Northern Borders Province**
- **Overview:** Far-northern Saudi Arabia with expansive desert landscapes and high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Abundant available land; minimal urban interference; opportunities for off-grid and grid-connected projects.
9. **Al-Ahsa Oasis Surroundings**
- **Overview:** Beyond the famous oasis, the adjacent desert areas have strong solar potential.
- **Key Points:** Reliable sun hours; integration with existing energy infrastructure; potential for hybrid projects.
10. **Dammam Region (Eastern Province Outskirts)**
- **Overview:** Peripheral desert areas around Dammam offer open, flat lands ideal for solar development.
- **Key Points:** High insolation; proximity to major industrial and port facilities; established grid connectivity.
---
### **United Arab Emirates (10 Locations)**
11. **Al Dhafra Region (Abu Dhabi)**
- **Overview:** A vast area in western Abu Dhabi with some of the highest solar irradiance in the UAE.
- **Key Points:** Expansive flat desert; long daily sun hours; supported by national renewable initiatives.
12. **Liwa Oasis Area**
- **Overview:** Located at the edge of the Rub’ al Khali, featuring extensive desert plains.
- **Key Points:** Extremely high insolation; abundant open land; minimal shading and population.
13. **Madinat Zayed Area**
- **Overview:** Part of the Al Dhafra region offering large contiguous tracts of desert land.
- **Key Points:** Excellent for utility-scale installations; proximity to future transmission projects; stable climate.
14. **Ruwais Industrial Zone**
- **Overview:** An established industrial area with peripheral desert lands suitable for PV farms.
- **Key Points:** Access to energy infrastructure; high solar exposure; potential for hybrid industrial–solar projects.
15. **Ghayathi Region**
- **Overview:** A rural desert area in western Abu Dhabi with vast open spaces.
- **Key Points:** Consistent high sun hours; available large plots; supportive local planning policies.
16. **Al Mirfa Area**
- **Overview:** Coastal and desert region with a hot, dry climate in western UAE.
- **Key Points:** Excellent solar resource; low humidity; ideal for both fixed and tracking PV systems.
17. **Ruwais/Al Dhafra Corridor**
- **Overview:** A continuous stretch of desert land linking Ruwais with central Al Dhafra.
- **Key Points:** Maximizes solar capture; easy grid access; suitable for large-scale arrays.
18. **Al Jafiliya Area**
- **Overview:** A lesser-known desert location in Abu Dhabi with flat terrain and high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Low land cost; scalable projects; consistent solar yield.
19. **Al Maqta Region**
- **Overview:** Central Abu Dhabi region with a mix of open agricultural and desert lands.
- **Key Points:** Dual-use (agrivoltaic) potential; reliable sun exposure; proximity to rural infrastructure.
20. **Al Falah Area**
- **Overview:** Open desert area within Abu Dhabi known for its stable, high sunshine duration.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for both commercial and community-scale projects; low environmental impact; strong government interest.
---
### **Israel (5 Locations)**
21. **Negev Desert**
- **Overview:** Southern Israel’s vast desert region with one of the highest solar potentials in the country.
- **Key Points:** Minimal cloud cover; large, open lands; already home to several pilot projects.
22. **Arava Valley**
- **Overview:** A narrow valley with abundant sunlight and minimal rainfall.
- **Key Points:** Consistent solar resource; suitable for both distributed and centralized solar; growing renewable initiatives.
23. **Eilat Area**
- **Overview:** The southernmost city, enjoying clear skies and intense sunlight.
- **Key Points:** High solar irradiance; potential for off-grid and grid-connected PV; strong tourism synergy.
24. **Ramon Crater Area**
- **Overview:** A unique high-altitude region in the Negev with exceptional solar exposure.
- **Key Points:** Enhanced panel efficiency at altitude; vast open spaces; opportunities for experimental solar projects.
25. **Sde Boker Area**
- **Overview:** Historic site in the Negev with extensive desert land and high solar potential.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for community-scale projects; high insolation; integration with sustainable tourism.
---
### **Jordan (5 Locations)**
26. **Wadi Rum**
- **Overview:** Iconic desert valley with dramatic landscapes and intense sunlight.
- **Key Points:** High solar irradiance; vast open spaces; potential for off-grid and community projects.
27. **Petra Area**
- **Overview:** Surrounding the ancient city of Petra, characterized by arid, sunny conditions.
- **Key Points:** Consistent solar resource; potential for hybrid renewable projects; cultural integration.
28. **Mafraq Region**
- **Overview:** Northern Jordan’s desert area with abundant clear skies.
- **Key Points:** Large, flat lands; excellent for utility-scale PV; growing government support.
29. **Amman Outskirts (Desert Fringe)**
- **Overview:** The semi-arid periphery of the capital with available open lands.
- **Key Points:** Good solar exposure; opportunities for distributed generation; proximity to urban grid.
30. **Azraq Basin**
- **Overview:** A basin in eastern Jordan with arid conditions and high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Vast open terrain; suitable for large-scale solar farms; potential to support local energy needs.
---
### **Oman (5 Locations)**
31. **Al Wusta Region**
- **Overview:** A central desert region in Oman with expansive flat lands.
- **Key Points:** High solar irradiance; low population density; ideal for utility-scale projects.
32. **Omani Desert Near Mahout**
- **Overview:** A desert area characterized by clear skies and extensive open land.
- **Key Points:** Excellent solar resource; potential for both ground-mounted and hybrid systems; strategic location.
33. **Sohar Region (Inland Zones)**
- **Overview:** Areas surrounding the port city of Sohar with high solar potential.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for industrial and utility-scale installations; supportive local infrastructure; strong grid connectivity.
34. **Ibri Region**
- **Overview:** A less developed area with vast desert expanses and consistent sunshine.
- **Key Points:** Abundant land availability; high insolation; opportunities for off-grid and grid-connected projects.
35. **Al Batinah Inland Areas**
- **Overview:** Inland parts of the coastal Al Batinah region with semi-arid conditions.
- **Key Points:** Reliable solar resource; potential for large-scale installations; proximity to industrial zones.
---
### **Qatar (3 Locations)**
36. **Al Shahaniya**
- **Overview:** An inland desert area with consistently clear skies and high solar irradiance.
- **Key Points:** Vast open spaces; ideal for utility-scale PV; low population density.
37. **Dukhan Area**
- **Overview:** A region known for its oil and gas fields but with significant solar potential on surrounding lands.
- **Key Points:** High sun exposure; opportunities for industrial solar projects; strategic location near energy hubs.
38. **Mesaieed Industrial Zone Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Peripheral areas around the industrial zone offering open desert terrain.
- **Key Points:** Suitable for large-scale solar farms; strong grid connectivity; supportive government incentives.
---
### **Kuwait (3 Locations)**
39. **Mubarak Al-Kabeer Area**
- **Overview:** A desert region in southern Kuwait with high solar potential.
- **Key Points:** Abundant clear skies; extensive flat lands; ideal for utility-scale PV.
40. **Jahra District**
- **Overview:** Northern desert region with consistently high solar irradiance.
- **Key Points:** Large, underutilized lands; low environmental constraints; strategic for regional energy projects.
41. **Sabah Al Salem Industrial Zone Outskirts**
- **Overview:** Peripheral industrial areas with open desert suitable for solar installations.
- **Key Points:** High sun hours; integration with industrial energy demands; potential for hybrid projects.
---
### **Turkey (3 Locations; Part of the Greater Middle East)**
42. **Konya Plain**
- **Overview:** A vast agricultural region with high solar irradiance and extensive flat lands.
- **Key Points:** Ideal for utility-scale solar farms; supportive agricultural policies; large unshaded areas.
43. **Southeastern Anatolia (Adıyaman Region)**
- **Overview:** A semi-arid region with abundant sunlight in southeastern Turkey.
- **Key Points:** High solar resource; opportunities for distributed and central solar projects; regional development support.
44. **Şanlıurfa Region**
- **Overview:** Located in southeastern Turkey with arid conditions and high insolation.
- **Key Points:** Vast open lands; consistent solar yield; growing interest in renewable energy investments.
---
### **Iran (3 Locations)**
45. **Dasht-e Lut (Lut Desert)**
- **Overview:** One of the hottest and driest places on Earth with extreme solar irradiance.
- **Key Points:** Vast, flat desert; minimal cloud cover; high potential for large-scale solar projects.
46. **Kavir National Park Area**
- **Overview:** A desert region in central Iran with high sun hours and low humidity.
- **Key Points:** Excellent solar resource; extensive open terrain; potential for hybrid renewable projects.
47. **Khuzestan Province (Flat, Sun-Drenched Areas)**
- **Overview:** A region in southwestern Iran known for its oil fields and abundant sunshine.
- **Key Points:** High solar irradiance; available industrial and rural lands; integration with existing energy infrastructure.
---
### **Egypt (3 Locations; Often Considered Part of the Middle East)**
48. **Western Desert Near Siwa Oasis**
- **Overview:** Vast desert regions with exceptionally high solar exposure.
- **Key Points:** Extensive flat lands; minimal cloud cover; ideal for utility-scale PV projects.
49. **Eastern Desert Near Hurghada**
- **Overview:** Arid regions with consistent sun hours and proximity to coastal urban centers.
- **Key Points:** High insolation; available large plots; potential for both on-grid and off-grid systems.
50. **Sinai Peninsula (North Sinai)**
- **Overview:** A desert region with high solar irradiance and strategic importance for energy export.
- **Key Points:** Vast open space; reliable sun; opportunities for cross-border energy initiatives.
---
**Final Considerations:**
- **Local Regulations & Incentives:** Each country in the Middle East has its own regulatory framework and financial incentives for renewable energy projects. It is crucial to engage with local authorities and energy agencies to understand permitting processes and available subsidies.
- **Site-Specific Evaluations:** Detailed feasibility studies—including solar resource mapping, grid connectivity analysis, environmental impact assessments, and economic evaluations—are essential to determine the optimal project scale and design for each location.
This comprehensive list of 50 candidate regions provides a starting point for exploring solar power opportunities across the Middle East. Each region’s unique climatic, geographical, and regulatory characteristics should be carefully analyzed to determine the best fit for your specific project requirements.