Paris — The International Energy Agency (IEA) is set to unveil a new report, The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa, on Thursday, September 18. The study will provide detailed regional and country-level analysis of electricity demand and supply trends across one of the world’s fastest-growing power markets.
The report arrives at a pivotal time, as countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) grapple with rapid economic and demographic shifts that are reshaping their energy landscapes. According to the IEA, rising populations, accelerated urbanisation, higher living standards and surging demand for cooling and desalination are driving a steep increase in electricity consumption.
Growing Demand Meets Old Reliance
Currently, nearly all of the region’s electricity is generated from oil and natural gas. This dependence has long shaped MENA’s power sector, but the IEA’s analysis suggests a significant shift is underway. The new report highlights how the electricity mix is expected to diversify, with renewable energy, efficiency measures and new technologies playing an increasingly important role.
For governments across the region, the challenge will be balancing immediate demand pressures with the long-term need for sustainability. The IEA report examines how countries are approaching this delicate transition and the strategies being employed to strengthen energy security.
Opportunities and Obstacles
The MENA region has the potential to lead in several aspects of energy development. With abundant solar resources and increasing commitments to clean power, many countries are investing heavily in renewable infrastructure. The report outlines the opportunities for regional cooperation, cross-border electricity trade and private sector investment in energy projects.
At the same time, the IEA emphasizes the obstacles that remain. Persistent reliance on hydrocarbons exposes national grids to volatility in oil and gas markets, while aging infrastructure requires modernization. The challenge is not simply technological but also institutional, as regulatory reforms and investment frameworks will be critical in ensuring efficient and equitable access to electricity.
National Ambitions in Focus
The IEA’s analysis assesses the progress of individual MENA countries toward their stated national targets. Many governments have outlined ambitious strategies for expanding renewable generation, improving energy efficiency, and integrating more sustainable practices into their grids. The report takes stock of these initiatives, measuring how close countries are to meeting their goals and what steps remain necessary to align with global climate objectives.
For some states, achieving energy diversification also ties directly to economic growth strategies. By reducing reliance on oil and gas for domestic power generation, producers can free up more hydrocarbons for export, strengthening fiscal revenues while simultaneously supporting decarbonisation efforts at home.
Global Implications
While the focus is regional, the findings carry wider significance. The MENA region is home to key energy exporters whose policies have global ripple effects. How these nations manage electricity demand growth, integrate renewable power and adapt to a low-carbon future will influence international energy markets, investment flows and climate progress.
The IEA, which regularly publishes authoritative assessments of global and regional energy trends, said the report is intended to serve as a roadmap for both policymakers and private investors. By offering detailed projections, case studies and policy analysis, The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to help guide decisions in the critical years ahead.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the report on September 18 will provide stakeholders with fresh insights into one of the most dynamic electricity markets worldwide. As populations expand and infrastructure strains under rising demand, the IEA underscores that the path forward requires both urgency and collaboration.
The report argues that achieving secure and sustainable electricity systems in the MENA region will demand coordinated efforts — from investing in clean technologies to strengthening governance and regulatory frameworks. The choices made now, the IEA stresses, will shape not only the future of electricity in the region but also its role in the global energy transition.
