RES cooperation opportunities between EU and MENA countries: The case of Morocco

• We present an approach for SD benefits’ assessment of the CDM projects.
• Particular emphasis is laid on the case of Morocco, in the MENA region.
• The results would be important in the design of the 4th Cooperation Mechanism.
• Opportunities exist for energy strategy cooperation between European and MENA countries.

In the recent years, the Member States of the European Union (EU) have been entitled to implement joint projects with third countries, similar to the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). However, criticism of the CDM’s contribution to Sustainable Development (SD) is most pronounced in the development literature. This paper aims to present a methodological approach to assess the SD benefits of the CDM projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Particular emphasis is placed on the case of Morocco, taking into consideration its potential for CDM project development. The results presented can help decision makers assess the role and design of the 4th Cooperation Mechanism, as well as identify the opportunities for energy strategy cooperation between European and MENA countries.