الجغرافيا الاقتصادية لتبني الطاقة المتجددة في الوطن العربي: دراسة التوزيع الجغرافي لمصادر الطاقة المتجددة والعوامل الاقتصادية التي تؤثر على تبنيها

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the economic geography of renewable energy adoption in the Arab world through examining the geographical distribution of renewable energy sources and the economic factors affecting their adoption. The study employs a descriptive-analytical comparative methodology, analyzing data and statistics from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Energy Agency (IEA), and peer- reviewed academic references for the period 2021-2025. The results reveal that the Arab region possesses enormous renewable energy potential estimated at approximately 5,000 terawatt-hours annually for solar energy and 50,000 megawatts for wind energy. However, the current utilization rate does not exceed 7% of the total energy mix. The study demonstrates significant geographical disparity in investment distribution, with concentration in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Morocco, and Egypt. Furthermore, the study indicates that the main economic factors affecting renewable energy adoption include investment costs, government policies, financing availability, and infrastructure. The study recommends the necessity of developing integrated regional strategies for renewable energy cooperation, improving financing mechanisms, and developing incentive policies to achieve ambitious renewable energy targets by 2030. Keywords: Renewable energy, Economic geography, Arab world, Spatial distribution, Investment, Energy policies.