ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/CL1.CCS/2026/2
Country: Arab region, Global, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of Iraq, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Lebanese Republic, State of Libya, Republic of Yemen
Publication Type: Flagship publications
Cluster: Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability
Focus Area: Natural resource sustainability
Initiatives: Inclusive and digitalized power grids for countries with special needs, Supporting increased energy security and resilience through energy transition, REGEND
SDGs: Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption
Keywords: Armed conflicts, Capacity building, Climate change, Cyprus, Digital technology, Economic aspects, Egypt, Electric power systems, Energy policy, Energy transfer, Financing, Governance, Greece, Gulf states, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, North africa, Recommendations, Regional cooperation, Renewable energy sources, Resilience, Risk assessment, State of palestine, Subsidies, Sustainable energy, Syrian arab republic, Turkey, Yemen
Enabling Policies for Sustainable, Digitalized Power Grid Connectivity and Cross-border Cooperation in the Arab Region
November 2026
The present publication examines how Arab countries can modernize and digitalize their power grids to build more reliable, resilient, sustainable and inclusive electricity systems. It assesses regional progress and persistent challenges, including ageing infrastructure, electricity losses, financial constraints, climate and conflict-related risks, uneven institutional capacity and disparities in access and service quality.
The publication explores how technologies such as smart meters, advanced monitoring, automation, forecasting and artificial intelligence can improve system efficiency, resilience and renewable energy integration. It also examines the role of cross-border electricity cooperation in strengthening regional energy connectivity, and enhancing technical and institutional capabilities through interoperable systems, harmonized standards and coordinated planning. Drawing on regional and international experience, it analyses governance, regulation, financing, cybersecurity, data governance and capacity-building needs, assesses countries’ readiness for digital power transformation, and provides policy recommendations to support countries in advancing resilient, inclusive and interconnected power systems.
Related content
Natural resource sustainability
The present publication examines how Arab countries can modernize and digitalize their power grids to build more reliable, resilient, sustainable and inclusive electricity systems. It assesses regional progress and persistent challenges, including ageing infrastructure, electricity losses, financial constraints, climate and conflict-related risks, uneven institutional capacity and disparities in access and service quality.
The publication explores how technologies such as smart meters, advanced monitoring, automation, forecasting and artificial intelligence can improve system efficiency, resilience and renewable energy integration. It also examines the role of cross-border electricity cooperation in strengthening regional energy connectivity, and enhancing technical and institutional capabilities through interoperable systems, harmonized standards and coordinated planning. Drawing on regional and international experience, it analyses governance, regulation, financing, cybersecurity, data governance and capacity-building needs, assesses countries’ readiness for digital power transformation, and provides policy recommendations to support countries in advancing resilient, inclusive and interconnected power systems.
