Clean development system implementation: stakes and prospects of renewable energies in the Mediterranean area

Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries (PSEM) are experiencing significant social and economical growth supported by strong demographic increases, booming urbanization and increasing environmental concerns. From an energy point of view, they are on a high energy - especially electricity - demand path, exceeding their Gross Domestic Product growth on average. PSEMs are now in a situation where electrification is not fully finished: 40 % of their populations live in rural areas i.e. 80 million people, which shows the magnitude of the challenge. In addition, the perception of environmental risks associated with energy and the high potential of renewable energies in the Mediterranean region encourage an increased use of those energy sources. This article reviews the current development status of renewable energies in the region, as well as its prospects. It wonders about the profits and limitations of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in the Mediterranean area in terms of renewable energy development in PSEMs and describes the potential market for CDM ER projects in the region, as well as strategies that are put forward for its development. (authors)