The MENALINKS programme aims to support the integration of renewable energy to the grid in MENALINKS countries – Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan and Türkiye – by leveraging sector coupling, smart grid and flexibility options. 

Sector coupling refers to the link between the power sector and end-use sectors such as transport, industry, and buildings. Making energy demand from these sectors more flexible can create a better match with available renewable energy resources and thereby accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources. Using sector coupling technologies in a smart way can  facilitate the grid integration of renewables, promote the decarbonization of various sectors and offer benefits to multiple stakeholder groups. 

However, despite their potential, sector coupling, flexibility and smart grid solutions still encounter obstacles like regulatory, technical, and financial barriers. MENALINKS supports its partner countries in identifying and overcoming these challenges to unlock their renewable energy potential and achieve their climate goals while enhancing grid integration, operation, and system flexibility.