This paper addresses the urgent need for a sustainable energy transition in the southern and eastern Mediterranean region. It analyses the unsustainable burden of universal energy subsidies and calls for new development paths unlocking the huge potential for low-cost energy efficiency and demand-side management as well as for renewable energy. It argues that a new structure of regional and interconnected energy markets is needed. It then proposes some original approaches regarding the financing of this sustainable energy transition and finally calls for an ambitious, Euro-Mediterranean Energy Roadmap, which should contribute not only to the economic and environmental development of the region, but also to its social and political stability.--Publisher description.

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries (SEMCs) urgently need to find a new path of strong and sustainable socio-economic development. Considering its macroeconomic and energy fundamentals, the region has a great potential for triggering of a new development process, and the ongoing political changes can enhance such a new dynamic. The current energy situation in the region is characterized by a rapid increase of energy demand, low energy efficiency, and low domestic energy prices due to extensive universal consumption subsidy schemes. The situation does not appear sustainable and poses several risks to the prospects of socio-economic development of the region. The recent Arab uprisings could provide the EU with the opportunity to play a more meaningful role in the region in the future. Energy is a topic of key importance for both the EU and SEMCs. In view of their geographic proximity, a further market integration would be in the interest of both sides. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the energy markets in SEMCs and proposes a new sustainable energy transition for the overall Mediterranean region. In doing so, the book assesses a number of specific issues, such as the regional outlook for electricity and renewable energy, the current situation of the oil and gas sector and its outlook, and the most recent hydrocarbons developments occurring in the Eastern Mediterranean area. Additionally, it proposes a series of innovative financial schemes aimed at fuelling the sustainable energy transition of the overall Mediterranean region. (Series: European Energy Studies)

This book investigates the current status and future prospects of energy relationships in the Euro-Mediterranean region. By adopting a political economy perspective, this book provides insight into regional cooperation in the fields of natural gas and renewable energy. The author posits that regional energy relations have yet to be examined through a comprehensive analytical framework in order to realistically assess the potential role of energy in acting as a catalyst for greater economic and political cooperation in the region. To do so, the author provides a detailed analysis of the region’s energy relations and pertinent case studies. Chapters illustrate the political and economic drivers underpinning the region’s energy dynamics, providing the reader with a wide-ranging overview of the Euro-Mediterranean energy relations of today and tomorrow.

This book investigates the current status and future prospects of energy relationships in the Euro-Mediterranean region. By adopting a political economy perspective, this book provides insight into regional cooperation in the fields of natural gas and renewable energy. The author posits that regional energy relations have yet to be examined through a comprehensive analytical framework in order to realistically assess the potential role of energy in acting as a catalyst for greater economic and political cooperation in the region. To do so, the author provides a detailed analysis of the region’s energy relations and pertinent case studies. Chapters illustrate the political and economic drivers underpinning the region’s energy dynamics, providing the reader with a wide-ranging overview of the Euro-Mediterranean energy relations of today and tomorrow.

Regulation & Investments in Energy Markets: Solutions for the Mediterranean presents the status of advancement and maturity of the Mediterranean energy policy, identifying patterns of development as well as lessons learned. Mediterranean countries are facing unprecedented challenges in the energy sector which affect the entire region. Energy policy and regulation is the key to tackling energy efficiency challenges, and providing favorable conditions for engineering infrastructures, investments, and improving security of energy supply. The assumption that the normative model, on which the EC energy policy is based, could be adopted outside EU boundaries has proven to be difficult to implement. This book looks at the Mediterranean regions search for a revised model for regulatory convergence and provides answers to those research questions, allowing the reader to understand the different technical, institutional, and financial frameworks for energy policy. Contains a detailed overview of the specificities and institutional frameworks, giving greater clarity on existing energy practice Provides recommendations and contributions from leading scholars and key players in energy policy research Presents information from a region wide interdisciplinary approach based on specific industry information