Energy Trade in the MENA Region: Looking Beyond the Pan-Arab Electricity Market

Journal of World Energy Law and Business, Vol. 10, Issue 6, pp. 520-549, Oxford University Press, 2017

30 Pages Posted: 30 Nov 2017

See all articles by Rafael Leal-Arcas

Rafael Leal-Arcas

Alfaisal University

Nelson Akondo

Queen Mary University of London, School of Law

Juan Alemany Rios

Queen Mary, University of London

Date Written: November 22, 2017

Abstract

This article contributes to the debate on energy security within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by highlighting various aspects of the energy sector, specifically electricity and gas, which are relevant to the discussion on regional integration and their convergence with sustainable development. Development is not possible without energy and sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy. The article discusses energy sustainability through the trading system and proposes regional trade agreements as means to further enhance peace and the energy security agenda of the region. The article makes the case that, to achieve security of energy supply, two main factors are important: diversification to minimize risk and regional cooperation. It is suggested that the MENA region should reduce or eliminate the technical barriers to energy trade. The article concludes with some recommendations on how to move forward.

Keywords: Energy Trade, MENA Region, Electricity Trade, Gas Trade, Energy Sustainability, Clean Energy, Regional Trade Agreements

JEL Classification: K33, K32, Q3, Q37, Q4, Q5

Suggested Citation

Leal-Arcas, Rafael and Akondo, Nelson and Alemany Rios, Juan, Energy Trade in the MENA Region: Looking Beyond the Pan-Arab Electricity Market (November 22, 2017). Journal of World Energy Law and Business, Vol. 10, Issue 6, pp. 520-549, Oxford University Press, 2017, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3076371

Rafael Leal-Arcas (Contact Author)

Alfaisal University ( email )

P.O. Box 50927
Riyadh, 11533
Saudi Arabia

Nelson Akondo

Queen Mary University of London, School of Law ( email )

67-69
Lincoln's Inn Fields
Holborn, London WC2A 3JB
United Kingdom

Juan Alemany Rios

Queen Mary, University of London ( email )

Lincoln's Inn Fields
Mile End Rd.
London, E1 4NS
United Kingdom

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