The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is emerging as a major global hub for solar energy development and manufacturing, driven by strong government policies, large-scale renewable energy projects, and growing investments in domestic supply chains, according to Wood Mackenzie.
Yana Hryshko, Senior Analyst and Head of Global Solar Supply Chain Research at Wood Mackenzie, noted that countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Oman are actively working to establish local solar manufacturing ecosystems to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen regional energy security.
Solar deployment across the region is accelerating rapidly, with installed capacity expected to reach around 140GWdc by 2030. At the same time, regional solar manufacturing capacity is projected to grow to approximately 44GW by 2029, reflecting rising demand for utility-scale renewable energy projects.
The surge in demand has already led to a significant increase in module imports, particularly from China, which doubled to 27GW in 2024 as major projects expanded across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman. Analysts note that the combination of policy support, abundant solar resources, and strategic investment is positioning MENA as a key player in the global solar supply chain.
The outlook underscores the region’s broader energy transition strategy, as governments seek to diversify economies, scale renewable capacity, and build integrated clean energy value chains capable of serving both domestic demand and international markets
