This study assesses the capability of the European Union’s Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs) to develop local renewable energy manufacturing industries, with a focus on three pilot countries: Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) commissioned and financed the study jointly with the European Investment Bank (EIB), working through the EIB’s Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP) Trust Fund.

The resulting report identifies challenges and offers recommendations based on research and interviews with policy makers and industry stakeholders in the MPCs. It also highlights experience gained in countries that have previously developed renewable energy manufacturing capacities.

Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia offer strong advantages for solar photovoltaics (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP), and onshore wind development. Their potential of these countries for renewable energy manufacturing is based on market size and track records in related industries, as well as their rich renewable energy resources.

The IRENA-EIB study underpins the importance of technology transfer and capacity building; research and development (R&D); regional trade agreements; improved local product competitiveness; financial instruments; and support from multilateral financial institutions. To attract investments on a large scale, measures and actions implemented in the three pilot countries would need to be applied consistently region wide, in order to ensure broad market access and maximise manufacturing capacities.