Yemen Energy Production.

Transmission, And Distribution, And Renewable Energy Potential

Advanced Power System Analysis Course Report

December 30, 1899

S.id: FS23230004E

DECEMBER 9, 2023
SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY
 Abstract
Yemen, a nation situated at the southwestern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, has a rich history and a wealth
of natural resources. Despite the potential offered by its geographical location and resources, Yemen finds itself at a
challenging crossroad in terms of energy production and infrastructure. Economic, political, and infrastructural
challenges have significantly impacted the country's energy landscape, particularly in terms of power plants,
electricity supply, and the transmission and distribution of power. This report seeks to explore the present state of
these critical aspects of Yemen's energy infrastructure. It aims to delve into the nuances of how energy is produced,
supplied, transmitted, and distributed across the country, with an emphasis on the role and potential of renewable
energy sources.
Introduction
Yemen is located in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East. It shares borders with
several countries and bodies of water. It shares a long border with Saudi Arabia to the north. This border stretches
from the Red Sea in the west to the Omani border in the east, covering a distance of approximately 1,800 kilometers
(1,100 miles). The border with Saudi Arabia is of significant importance due to its length and strategic location. In
the east, Yemen shares a shorter border with Oman, forming the Al-Mahrah Governorate. This border extends from
the Arabian Sea coast to the point where Yemen, Oman, and Saudi Arabia meet. The border with Oman is relatively
small compared to the border with Saudi Arabia. Yemen has a lengthy coastline along the Arabian Sea to the south,
spanning approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles). The Arabian Sea separates Yemen from the Horn of Africa,
specifically Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia. The coastline is characterized by its strategic location, with major ports
such as Aden and Mukalla serving as important maritime hubs. To the southwest, Yemen is bordered by the Gulf of
Aden. This body of water separates Yemen from Djibouti to the west and Socotra, a British Overseas Territory, to
the south. The Gulf of Aden is a critical shipping route, connecting the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and serving as a
gateway to the Indian Ocean.

Fig.1 Location of Yemen

Yemen has a population of over 28 million people. However, the country has very limited domestic energy
resources and relies heavily on imports to meet its needs. Nearly all of Yemen's oil and natural gas is imported from
neighboring countries due to declining domestic production in recent years. The country does have some potential
for hydroelectric power and renewable energy generation using its sunlight and coastal wind resources.

Over three-quarters of Yemen's electricity is currently produced from oil-fired power plants located in major
cities like the capital Sana'a, the southern port of Aden, and other regional hubs. The remaining production comes
from natural gas, hydro, and small-scale renewables. Yemen's total installed generation capacity is approximately
2,800 megawatts. Access to power remains limited in many rural areas where smaller isolated diesel generators
provide unreliable supply.

The state-owned Public Electricity Corporation operates Yemen's high voltage transmission grid which connects the
main power plants to load centers across overhead lines ranging from 33kV to 230kV. However, decades of
underinvestment have left the system aging with transmission losses as high as 30% in some places. Outdated
equipment and lack of maintenance also cause frequent failures.

Electricity is distributed to end consumers through PEC's lower voltage sub-transmission and distribution networks,
primarily using overhead lines even in urban areas. Infrastructure in many parts of the country is outdated and prone
to outages. Non-payment of bills also places a large financial burden on the utility. As a result, blackouts are
common across Yemen including in major population centers.

Yemen's power infrastructure has suffered significant disruption due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Many
power plants have been damaged or destroyed, and the transmission and distribution networks are in a state of
disrepair. Yemen's power sector is predominantly state-owned, with the Public Electricity Corporation (PEC) being
the primary entity responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. However, the PEC has
been struggling with financial difficulties and a lack of resources, which has hindered its ability to maintain and
upgrade the power infrastructure. The transmission and distribution losses are high due to outdated equipment, poor
maintenance, and electricity theft. Moreover, the country's challenging topography, with many remote and
mountainous areas, makes it difficult to extend the power distribution network to all regions.

State of Energy Production in Yemen

The International Energy Agency's data indicated that in the year 2000, oil accounted for 98.4% of Yemen's
total primary energy supply [1]. By 2017, this proportion had declined to around 76%, with natural gas making up
approximately 16% of the total primary energy supply. Oil and gas were the primary fuels for Yemen's power plants
during this period [2]. However, the recent oil shortage in Yemen, combined with the scarcity of natural gas during
the colder months, has created a significant challenge in generating power during these periods. The power
generation sector has been heavily impacted by this dependency on oil and natural gas, stunting the development of
the power grid. Consequently, these difficulties serve as primary drivers for transitioning towards renewable energy
sources.

Currently, Yemen's power plants and transmission lines have sustained severe damages. The national power grid is
consistently at risk of total collapse due to the destruction of factories and transmission lines [3]. Certain power
plants are on the brink of complete failure due to continuous attacks and lack of maintenance [4]. Yemen is
grappling with a severe electricity shortage of several gigawatts, as reported by the Yemen Public Electricity
Corporation (YPEC) [5]. According to YPEC, Yemen has four key energy production stations: (1) Ma’rib gas
station in Marib, being the largest with a power generation capacity of 350-400 MW, (2) Alhuso gas station in
Aden, (3) Mokha gas station in Taiz, and (4) Alkaseb gas station in Hodeida. Yemen also has a 132 kV main grid
[6].
In 2010, a new gas-fired power plant was completed in Ma’rib, east of Sana’a, and connected to the main grid via
Bani Hoshish’s 400 kV double circuit transmission line. A proposal has been made for a second 400 kV
transmission line from Ma’rib to the 132 kV substation at Damar, south of Sana’a [6]. Additionally, there is a
smaller grid in the country's Middle East region with an isolated grid surrounding Sada city. The current situation in
Yemen underscores the pressing need for diversifying energy sources and strengthening the country's energy
infrastructure to ensure a reliable power supply.

Yemen's electricity supply predominantly relies on oil-fired power plants, which include 684 MW of diesel power,
495 MW of steam power, and 340 MW of natural gas power. As of 2015, the total installed capacity of the national
grid was recorded at 1519 MW. The power plants generate electricity at various voltages, including 10.5 kV, 11kv,
13.8 kV, and 15 kV, after which the voltage is increased to 33 kV, 132 kV, and 400 kV [7].

The medium voltage level of 33 kV is utilized to transfer power from the substation to the demand locations. The
distribution network employs 11 kV power transmission to the distribution transformer. The grid operates at a
nominal frequency of 50 Hz. Figure 2 provides a visual representation of Yemen's transmission network, including
all power stations and substations [8].

Fig.2 Yemen’s electrical transmission network system

In August 2013, Yemen began construction of the Marib II gas-fired power plant, a 400 MW facility intended to
boost domestic generation capacity. It was scheduled to come online by the end of 2014 but security issues delayed
progress. The plant remains incomplete today due to challenges stemming from the ongoing civil war. Construction
was interrupted frequently as fighting disrupted supply lines and forced workers to flee at times. Vital components
could not be transported as planned through contested ports. Government priorities also shifted resources away from
large infrastructure projects to urgent humanitarian aid.
Once stability returns, completing Marib II will be a major milestone for Yemen's energy sector. However, the long-
term instability caused by conflict continues to undermine development goals. Attracting new private investment
into power generation and transmission grid upgrades is extremely difficult with ongoing violence and political
uncertainty. Renewable energy targets on paper have yet to translate into significant projects on the ground due to
lack of financing and unstable conditions slowing foreign participation. Table 1 shows the capacity of Yemen’s
main power plants.

Table 1 Electrical power generation capacity existing in Yemen (2018)

Station No. No. of Type of Fuel used Fuel’s Total Total Manufacturer Date of
of availabl generatio transpor installe availabl installatio
unit e units n t d e n
s capacit capacity
y (MW)
(MW)

Marib 1 3 3 GT Gas Pipeline 340.5 340.5 SIEMENS 2010

Ras Katnib 5 5 ST RFO + Ship 150 0 ANSANDO 1981

LFO and
truck

Al Mukah 4 3 ST RFO + Ship 160 0 ANSALDO 1987

LFO and
truck

Hiswah 1 5 3 ST RFO + Pipeline 125 50 RUSSIA 1986

LFO
1 1 ST 60 30 CHINA 2008

Hiswah 2 2 2 GT Diesel Gas Pipeline 60 50 CHINA 2016

Almansora 8 2 DG RFO Pipeline 64 5 MITSUBISI 1982

h1 Diesel and MAN
LFO truck
B&W

Almansora 7 7 DG RFO + Pipe 70 45 WARTSILA 2007

h2 LFO line and
truck
Station No. No. of Type of Fuel used Fuel’s Total Total Manufacturer Date of
of availabl generatio transpor installe availabl installatio
unit e units n t d e n
s capacit capacity
y (MW)
(MW)

Khormaksa 5 1 DG Diesel Truck 15 3 CEMTPIESTI 1970

r C

2 2 DG 10 10 WARTSILA 2003

Twahi 5 0 DG Diesel Truck 7.5 0 CATERPILLA 2016

R

3 0 DG 6.6 0 SKL 2004

Shenaz 8 4 DG Diesel Truck 10 30 CATERPILLA 2016

R

26 13 DG 30 CATERPILLA 2016
R

Hedjuff 2 6 0 DG Diesel Truck 6 0 CATERPILLA 2016

R
5 0 DG 5 0

8 6 DG 9.6 8

Stadium 52 26 DG Diesel Truck 40 25 CUMMINS 2016

Dahban 1 4 2 DG Diesel Truck 21 10.5 GMT 1980

Dahban 2 5 1 DG Diesel Truck 25.5 5 WARTSILA 2000

Hiziaz 1 6 6 DG Diesel Truck 30 30 WARTSILA 2003

Hiziaz 2 7 5 DG RFO + Truck 70 50 WARTSILA 2004

Station No. No. of Type of Fuel used Fuel’s Total Total Manufacturer Date of
of availabl generatio transpor installe availabl installatio
unit e units n t d e n
s capacit capacity
y (MW)
(MW)

LFO

Hiziaz 3 6 3 DG RFO + Truck 30 30 WARTSILA 2007

LFO

Taiz 4 1 DG Diesel Truck 16 13 2 DEUTZ 1979

2 WARTSILA 2003

Al Hali 5 5 DG Diesel Truck 27.75 20 3 GMT 1980

2 WARTSILA 2003

AlKormish 3 2 DG Diesel Truck 7.5 5 DEUTZ 1979

Sana’a 6 3 DG Diesel Truck 19.7 12.5 3 DEUTZ 1972

3 WARTSILA 2004

Jaar 5 3 DG Diesel Truck 10.2 2.1 1 DEUTZ 1985

2 NIGATA 2006

Ryan 7 7 DG RFO + Truck 70 54 WARTSILA 1998–

LFO 2007

Khulf 4 4 DG Diesel Truck 13 3.4 DEUTZ 1980–

1984

Monsawra 9 9 DG Diesel Truck 16 4.9 5DIHATSU 1995

h 1982 2GM
1999
2 WARTSI LA
Station No. No. of Type of Fuel used Fuel’s Total Total Manufacturer Date of
of availabl generatio transpor installe availabl installatio
unit e units n t d e n
s capacit capacity
y (MW)
(MW)

Shehr 5 5 DG Diesel Truck 13 2 3 MAK 1987

2 GMT 1996

Sayoon 7 4 DG Diesel Truck 31.92 10.5 4 NIGATA 1982

24.93 15.5
4 3 DG Diesel Truck 4 DEUTZ 1990–
1996–
2 GMT
2006
1 MAN

Petro- 3 3 GT Diesel Pipeline 75 33.5 GE 2018

Masselah

Total generated power in (MW) 1670. 7 898.4

According to the 2011 Annual Report (PEC) issued by the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, the best year for
electricity production from 2007 to 2011 is 2010. Table 6 shows the production of electricity and energy according
to the results of the 2011 Annual Report.

Table 2 The 2011 Annual Report of the production of electricity and energy in Yemen

The production of electricity and energy in 2011 Value

Electrical energy generated by PEC 6400.6 GWh

Electrical energy purchased from the private sector 1357.0 GWh

Total electrical energy generated 7757.6 GWh

Electrical energy transmitted to the distribution network 7091.7 GWh

Combined power generated by PEC 1526 MW

Combined power of purchased energy 280 MW

 The production of electricity and energy in 2011 Value

Total electrical energy sold 5036 GWh

Total population (Central Statistical Organization CSO) 23.154 M

Electricity Access and Consumption in Yemen

In comparison to the regional average of around 85%, Yemen has the lowest rate of electricity access, with only
about 40% of its population having access to it. The distribution of electricity access significantly differs between
rural and urban households. Despite rural dwellers making up approximately 75% of the total population, only about
23% of them have access to electricity. Conversely, about 85% of the urban population has electricity access [12].

Furthermore, of the population with electricity access, only about half are connected to the public grid. The
remaining half rely on private sources for their power supply, such as diesel generators (typically operating for
several hours for lighting and powering low-intensity appliances). Non-grid electrified rural households’ resort to
alternative lighting methods, including kerosene lamps (used by around 67%) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
lamps (used by approximately 5%). These alternatives, however, have a significant environmental impact [13].
Figures. 3 and 4 shows the main electricity consumption by household and sectors respectively.

Fig.3 Electricity consumption by household

 Fig.4 Electricity consumption by sectors

Figure 5 illustrates the balance between power supply and demand, with a reserve fund balance of 20%. The system
reliability goal is based on the assumption of a 48-hour load loss per hour. In 2013, the supply-demand gap was
approximately 500 MW. The latest power development plan (2009–2020) projected that the total capacity demand
would reach 3102 MW in the following decade, with an annual growth rate of 10% [14]. Yemen's electricity supply
is predominantly fossil fuel-based, including mazot, diesel, and more recently, LPG. Approximately 79.91% of
electricity comes from oil fuels of installed capacity, 20% from natural gas fuel, and a mere 0.09% from renewable
energy [15].

Fig.5 Electricity supply–demand balance for Yemen

Status of energy type and proportion of power supply in Yemen from 2009 to
2021
Before the events of 2011, Yemen had a strategy aimed at developing and enhancing its electrical potential. The
Public Electricity Corporation was responsible for formulating this strategy, which was executed by a team of
power engineers. The strategy aimed to triple the power generation capacity from the 2009 levels to around 3 GW
[16]. This increase was intended to provide services to new locations and residences not connected to the public
grid, and to ensure power access for factories and service providers. This strategy was to be implemented from 2009
to 2020.

However, the events of 2011 had a profound impact on power output, culminating in the shutdown of the power
plant in 2015. Figure 6 illustrates the planned power generation capacity versus the actual electricity production. A
noticeable decline in electric energy production began to manifest in 2011. Power generation was about 0.75GW in
2009, and it increased to 1GW in 2010. However, the ongoing unrest in the country severely disrupted the power
sector's operations, leading to a complete shutdown of transmission lines and power plants in 2015 [17].
Figure 6 depicts the planned generating capacity and actual electricity production.

Fig.6 Peak demand forecast for main interconnected grid GW

The extensive military operations that began in Yemen in mid-2015 have severely impacted the country's energy
sector. Public energy availability plummeted from 60% in 2014 to a mere 10% by the end of 2017 [18]. This drastic
drop has had catastrophic consequences, with some power plants completely destroyed and others partially
damaged. This has significantly reduced power generation capacity and complicated fuel delivery to operational
power plants.
As of now, the average electricity supply ranges between 200 and 250 MW [19]. Sana’a, the capital, has a power
requirement of approximately 500 MW, but only receives around 40 MW of power for a few hours each day.
Similarly, Aden province experiences a power crisis, where the demand of 390 MW is met with only 190 MW.
Alburaydah and IBB provinces also fall short of their total demand of 280 MW, and Taiz, Yemen’s most populous
province, requires 111 MW of electricity, but the public infrastructure appears unable to provide it.

The ongoing conflict has led to regular attacks on transmission lines, negating the operation of power plants. In
response, the World Bank has proposed a sustainable solution: shifting the electrical sector from a centralized to a
decentralized system [20]. This approach would involve rebuilding the power system from the ground up, both
technically and institutionally, starting with solar energy. The solution would gradually expand from a small off-
grid system to an urban power grid, onto a municipal power grid (sub-national), and ultimately to the national power
grid.

However, this proposed solution is expected to take a significant amount of time and is contingent on the cessation
of the ongoing conflict. In the meantime, there are proposals for modernizing and building new power plants [21].
Some power plants have been installed using Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) technology and are planned to be
converted to Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) systems. This adjustment was necessitated by a revised gas
valuation at a higher price and is contingent on the supply of natural gas. Table 2 summarizes recent proposals for
modernization and the building of new power plants.

Table 3 Generation investment plan, Yemen

Plant Type Capacity Year

(MW)

Ma’rib II OCGT to CCGT 352 to 528 2013 to 2019

Ma’rib III OCGT to CCGT 264 to 396 2014 to 2020

Wind Wind turbines 180 2012 to 2014

In September 2012, Yemen signed an agreement with China’s National Corporation for Overseas Economic
Cooperation to construct three natural gas–fueled power facilities, each with a generating capacity of over 400 MW
[22]. Additionally, in late 2012, the Turkish government pledged to assist Yemen in building a 263-MW electric
plant capable of burning both petroleum and natural gas. Regrettably, with the onset of the war in 2015, none of
these initiatives were realized. This further highlights the significant impact the conflict has had on the development
and modernization of Yemen's energy sector.

Heavy Fossil Fuel Costs and Environmental Impact

According to the latest World Energy Statistics Review 2020, fossil fuels supply a considerable 84% of the world's
energy, while renewable energy accounts for only 11% of global primary energy consumption [23]. The combustion
of fossil fuels for energy production results in significant greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to
environmental degradation and global warming. In contrast, renewable energy sources produce far fewer
greenhouse gas emissions [24].

This widespread pollution is a direct consequence of unregulated energy consumption. In Yemen, CO2 emissions
peaked at 10.9 million tons in 2019, a slight increase from 10.5 million tons the previous year. This 3.25% change
positioned Yemen 97th in the world in terms of CO2 emissions, as depicted in Fig. 4. Notably, power plants, as the
largest centralized emission sources, accounted for approximately 69.3% of the total national emissions [25].

Yemen, being a non-industrialized country, does not contribute significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions
through industrial activities. Energy-related greenhouse gas emissions constituted 69.3% of the total emissions in
the country. The remaining 30.7% of emissions came from non-energy sectors, such as agricultural activities
(23.1%), waste recovery (3.7%), and industrial processing (2.9%) [26].

Although the energy sector is the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the majority of these emissions
come from fossil fuel combustion in power generation (19.3%), transportation (19.2%), and other sectors (16.6%).
The remaining emissions are due to domestic, agricultural, and commercial usage of kerosene and diesel [26].

Fig.7 The total CO2 emissions in Yemen up to 2019

Nonetheless, Yemen's total greenhouse gas emissions have not significantly impacted the global climate. In 2019,
the CO2 emissions per capita for Yemen were 0.37 tons of CO2. While there have been substantial fluctuations in
Yemen's per capita CO2 emissions over recent years, an overall increase was observed from 1970 to 2019, ending at
0.37 tons of CO2 per capita in 2019. This placed Yemen at 151st among 181 countries in terms of per capita
greenhouse gas emissions, as illustrated in Fig. 5 [27].
 Fig.8 The greenhouse gas emissions per capita in Yemen

The widespread pollution in Yemen, resulting from the unregulated utilization of energy sectors and pollution from
the ongoing conflict, leads to significant economic, social, and environmental consequences. These include the cost
of environmental degradation to the GDP and the death toll attributed to air pollution. Projections for 2025 suggest
that the cost of CO2 emissions and environmental degradation will escalate if the country continues its
indiscriminate energy use and if the conflict persists [27].

Environmental Performance Index (EPI)

The EPI 2016, which ranks countries based on over 20 performance indicators related to environmental public
health and ecosystem vitality, placed Yemen at 150th out of 180 countries. Key environmental indicators include
health impacts, climate and energy, water resources, air pollution, and biodiversity [28].

Yemen is grappling with a growing environmental crisis, one aspect of which is water scarcity. Natural freshwater
resources are limited, and drinking water supplies are inadequate. Factors such as climatic conditions, years of poor
water management, and population growth have led to a severe water shortage. The capital, Sana’a, has been in a
water crisis since 2017, and 84% of the population in the southern province struggles daily to find or purchase
enough clean water for drinking, cooking, and food production. On average, each Yemeni can only access around
140 m3 of water per year for all purposes [29]. Apart from coastal waters, Yemen has no permanent open waters.

Energy Architecture Performance Index (EAPI)

The EAPI, a global process that sets forth indicators to assess the efficiency of energy systems in various countries,
measured Yemen's energy system against three key parameters: security of supply, environmental sustainability,
and economic growth and development. In the 2017 EAPI ranking, Yemen was ranked 126th out of 127 countries,
ahead of only Bahrain [30].
Yemen's energy infrastructure faces instability and vulnerability challenges. Conflict has led to significant damage
to some energy systems, while others have been partially devastated, causing a drop in generation capacity and
difficulties in fuel delivery from power generation plants. As a result, a redesign of the energy infrastructure is
needed to ensure security, affordability, and sustainability [31].

Yemen’s renewable energy

Solar energy resources

Yemen is located in the global sun-belt, receiving an average of 9-11 hours of sunlight per day throughout the
year. This equates to over 4,000 hours of sunlight annually, with peak sun hours (PSH) reaching 5-6 hours, or
2,000-2,200 hours yearly. This high level of sunlight can result in lower power costs compared to countries with
fewer PSH. The average solar radiation in Yemen ranges between 450 and 550 cal/cm2/day, equivalent to 5.2-6.8
kW/m2/day or 18.9-23.1 MJ/m2/day [32].

Studies on the solar energy potential in several cities in Yemen, including Sana’a, Hodeidah, Bayhan, and Lahaj,
suggest that the country's favorable geographic location could encourage the use of solar energy applications [33]
[34]. The maximum and minimum temperatures measured in Yemen, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, further support this
conclusion.

Fig. 7 The average temperature of mountainous areas

 Fig. 8 The average temperature of coastal areas

Yemen has the potential to leverage two types of solar power supply: centralized (on-grid) for large-scale farms and
decentralized (off-grid) for small-scale power generation. The latter option can be particularly useful for rural
electrification, which impacts three-quarters of Yemen's population but only receives a quarter of the country's total
power [36]. Connecting rural areas to the main grid is challenging due to high transmission costs and increased
power losses during transmission. This underlines the potential of decentralized power supply for rural
electrification [37]. The map in Fig. 14 illustrates the distribution of solar energy resources throughout Yemen,
further emphasizing this potential [38][39]. Data on the installed capacity and electricity generation from solar
systems from 2010 to 2019, illustrated in Fig. 9, provide valuable insights into the progress and potential of solar
energy use in Yemen [40].

Fig.9 The distribution of solar energy resources in Yemen

 Fig.10 The installed capacity and the electricity generation by the solar system from 2010 to 2019 in Yemen

Wind energy resources

As part of the Renewable Energy Strategy and Action Plan, the Yemeni Ministry of Electricity has explored
various renewable energy sources, including wind energy. A wind resource map was developed using data from the
Civil Aviation and Meteorological Service, the Global Upper-Air Climatic Atlas, and an ongoing wind measurement
campaign. Yemen has a long coastal zone extending over 2,500 km and an average width of 45 km along the Red
Sea and the Arabian Sea. The average annual wind speed in these coastal areas exceeds 8 m/s. This indicates high
potential for constructing wind farms in coastal and offshore regions [41].

Studies highlight the most promising areas for wind energy to be the mountainous and valley regions (Sana’a,
Damar, and Sayan) and coastal areas (Aden, Hodeida, and Mokha). Particularly, the Al Mokha area in Taiz has
favorable wind conditions. It's estimated that 1.8 GW of electricity can be generated within a 300 km2 area of Al
Mokha alone, providing about 14,200 MW or approximately 42,300 GWh of electricity per year [42][43].

According to the wind resource map, technically attractive sites in Yemen (i.e., where more than 3000 full load
hours (FLH) could be generated or with a more than 35% capacity factor) could generate 14,214 MW. Economically
attractive sites (i.e., where more than 3500 FLH could be generated or with a more than 40% CF) could generate
about 2507 MW, which is about 8293 GWh of electricity per year. The total wind power potential is estimated to be
34GW [44].

Fig. 11 shows the annual wind speed (km/h) in three major cities of Yemen throughout the year. The city of Taiz,
including the coastal area of Mocha and the surrounding Arrows Mountains, is among the windiest regions in
Yemen [45].
 Fig.11 The annual wind velocity (km/h) in the three big cities in Yemen

Geothermal energy resources

Geothermal energy sources in Yemen are estimated to have a potential of about 2900 MW. A preliminary
survey conducted in 1984 by the World Bank identified a geothermal potential south of Sana’a, particularly in the
Dhamar district (100 km south of Sana’a). This resource could support a 50-MW plant, and the ultimate resource
could range from 250 to 500 MW [46]. An agreement with an Icelandic company to develop a 10-MW plant at the
site was signed, but the company became insolvent during the financial crisis. The United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) now funds exploratory drilling. Interestingly, Yemen has a high heat flow equivalent to Italy's,
indicating its geothermal potential. Italy has more than 500 MW of geothermal power installed, suggesting a similar
potential for Yemen [46].

Biomass energy resources

Yemen has a long history as an agricultural state, and agriculture remains a vital part of the country's
economy. Over-centralization in this sector could lead to resource overuse, and industrial waste could harm the
environment if not managed properly. These waste types could be potentially used to generate biomass energy for
purposes such as gasification for power generation or cooking. This technology could create biogas plants in major
cities like Sana’a, Aden, and Taiz, to generate power from biomass instead of diesel or heavy fuel (mazot).For
example, if we consider the waste collected daily in Sana’a, a city of over 2,000,000 inhabitants, this amounts to
approximately 1000 tons of waste. This waste could be used to produce biogas, comprising 60% methane (CH4)
and 40% carbon dioxide (CO2). It's estimated that 50 m3 of biogas could be produced per ton of waste, meaning
1000 tons of waste could generate about 5000 m3 of biogas daily. This equates to 30,000 KWh, enough to supply
nearly 5000 households with an average power need of 6K
Yemen has significant potential for renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass.
Despite many visions for introducing renewable energy to help Yemen’s electricity sector, the Yemen Public
Electrical Corporation (YPEC) reports that little has been accomplished so far [48]. The Middle East and Africa
region is set to increase its renewable energy generation capacity in the coming years. Djibouti, for example, aims to
obtain 100% of its energy from renewable sources by 2035 [49]. Yemen's average solar radiation is between 18 and
26 MJ/m2 per day over 3000 h of clear blue sky each year, and the theoretical solar electricity potential using
concentrated solar power (CSP) is at 2,446,000 MW. Wind energy has a capacity of 308,722 MW, and geothermal
energy has a potential of around 304,000 MW [50].

Table 4 Yemen’s renewable energy resource

Renewable energy resources The theoretical The technical potential

potential (MW)

Gross technical Practical technical

potentials (MW) potentials (MW)

Wind energy 308,722 123,429 34,286

Solar electricity (CSP) 2,446,000 1,426,000 18,600

Geothermal 304,000 29,000 2900

Biomass-landfills 10 8 6

Conclusion
This report provided an overview of Yemen's energy landscape, highlighting its reliance on imported oil and
limited domestic resources. The status of the electricity sector was examined, including generation based mainly on
oil-fired power plants, transmission via an aging grid, and challenges with distribution infrastructure and access.

Renewable energy opportunities from Yemen's natural endowments like solar radiation and wind were also
discussed. However, realizing this potential has been hindered by the prolonged civil war. The conflict has severely
damaged existing systems and undermined investment in expansion or clean energy transitions. Moving forward,
rehabilitation of critical infrastructure destroyed in the fighting will need to precede further development. Attracting
financing also remains difficult without lasting peace and stability. Should a resolution be found, priorities could
include completing delayed projects like Marib II and prioritizing renewables to boost energy security. Distributed
off-grid solutions may help increase rural access in the meantime. With its considerable renewable sources, Yemen
has the foundation to develop sustainable generation over the long term. But reconstruction from the devastating
humanitarian impact of the war will be a monumental task. International support will likely be crucial to help the
country's electricity sector fulfill its role in powering recovery and revitalization across Yemen.
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