Power sector - Castlereagh

Jordan: A case study in expanding renewable energy

04 Oct 2019

Jordan has been at the forefront of renewable energy deployment in the Middle East, with the sector accounting for 7.9% of the country’s total electricity generation in 2018 compared to 2% in 2013. Yet, challenges hindering the upscaling of renewables are multiplying as the sector gains momentum. Being an early adopter of renewables, Jordan’s experiences should serve as lessons both for economies in the region and developing countries around the world.

Ethiopia: highlighting growth drivers, pinpointing risks

23 Jul 2019

Ethiopia’s ambitious industrialisation strategy is expected to create opportunities in three main areas: power and distribution, logistics infrastructure and export-orientated manufacturing. While growth will be rapid, obstacles will prevent full realisation of government targets. Most notably, opposition to political reform and social unrest look set to challenge policy continuity.

Middle East utilities vs distributed generation: a losing battle

25 Jun 2019

Distributed renewable energy generation offers many opportunities for power sectors in the Middle East, including the ability to increase the resilience of the power system and reduce both the cost of subsidies – which weigh heavily on states’ budgets – and the need for grid expansion. However, state-owned electricity utilities are concerned about losing revenue and their monopoly of the sector. Changes to the business models, tariffs and culture is the best way for utilities to remain relevant.

Iran: a gas giant with feet of clay

15 May 2020

After the re-imposition of US sanctions in 2018 sparked a crash in its oil industry, Iran accelerated production of natural gas and gas condensates and expanded gas exports to neighbouring countries less vulnerable to sanctions. However, domestic obstacles and continued limits on its energy exports have prevented Iran from securing its place as a major gas provider to the region, and it now has another priority for its rising gas output: its downstream sector.

Surviving the cure: Morocco adapts to COVID-19

12 May 2020

As the fallout from the COVID-19 continues, Morocco has sought to manage the effects on its economy through a series of stimulus measures designed to support businesses and workers. Heavily reliant on tourism and industrial exports, the country’s recovery will depend on the resumption of demand in key European markets.

Turkey’s economic woes heightened by coronavirus challenges

28 Apr 2020

Local and international responses to COVID-19 have impacted key sectors of Turkey’s economy, such as manufacturing, retail and tourism. While the global fall in oil prices will ameliorate some of the country’s current account stress, overall the economy is likely to shrink this year for the first time since 2009. Currency and financial sector weaknesses increase the risk of a protracted downturn.