in the Middle East (2000-2040)
Implications for Energy Policy and
Sustainable Development
FEATURED PAPER
By Salam Jaroshi
Libya
Abstract
This study conducts a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of wind, solar, and fossil fuel energy systems in the Middle East from 2000 to 2040, addressing the region’s unique energy challenges and opportunities. The research evaluates the economic, environmental, and social costs and benefits of these energy sources, focusing on their long-term sustainability and alignment with global climate goals. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines archival data analysis, economic modeling, and scenario forecasting to assess the net present value (NPV), levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and carbon abatement costs of each energy source. Key findings indicate that while fossil fuels remain economically dominant in the short term, solar energy offers the highest long-term benefits due to declining costs and environmental advantages. Wind energy, though less prevalent, shows significant potential in specific regions. The study highlights the importance of policy interventions, technological advancements, and investment in renewable infrastructure to transition toward a sustainable energy future. This research contributes to the academic discourse on energy economics and provides actionable insights for policymakers and industry professionals in the Middle East.
- Introduction
The Middle East, a region historically synonymous with fossil fuel wealth, faces a critical juncture in its energy trajectory. With global climate change imperatives and the declining costs of renewable energy technologies, the region must balance its economic reliance on oil and gas with the need for sustainable energy solutions. This study examines the cost-benefit dynamics of wind, solar, and fossil fuels in the Middle East from 2000 to 2040, addressing the following research questions:
- What are the economic, environmental, and social costs and benefits of wind, solar, and fossil fuel energy systems in the Middle East?
- How do these energy sources compare in terms of long-term sustainability and alignment with global climate goals?
- What policy and investment strategies can facilitate a sustainable energy transition in the region?
The research is structured as follows: a literature review contextualizes the study within existing scholarship, the methodology outlines the research design and analytical framework, the results present key findings, and the discussion interprets these findings in relation to energy policy and sustainable development.
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How to cite this paper: Jaroshi, S. (2025). A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Wind, Solar, and Fossil Fuels in the Middle East (2000-2040): Implications for Energy Policy and Sustainable Development; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue V, May. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pmwj152-May2025-Jaroshi-Cost-Benefit-Analysis-of-Wind-Solar-Fossil-Fuels-in-Middle-East.pdf
About the Authors
Salam Jaroshi
Libya
Salam Jaroshi is a Project Management and Smart Cities expert with 15+ years of experience integrating methodologies, risk, quality, sustainability, and value across industries, including engineering, construction, telecom, technology, utilities, and energy, with a proven track record in consulting for government, private, and non-profit sectors. As Dean of Engineering and Full Professor at Hodos School of Business & Engineering, he specializes in Civil & Structural Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Environmental Engineering, while advocating for multidisciplinary project management research. He is also founder and President of the APMA – American Project Academy Management – founded in 2012 in Rochester NY USA. Currently, he is expanding his expertise into the cutting-edge application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Project Management. Salam.Jaroshi@hodos.swiss | salamjaroshi@gmail.com | www.hodos.swiss/faculty/SalamJaroshi
