Title: Solar energy cost efficiency: a simulated case study in the Egyptian context

Authors: Dina El-Bassiouny; Ehab K.A. Mohamed

Addresses: Department of Accounting and Financial Control, Faculty of Management Technology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City – Cairo, 11835, Egypt. ' Department of Accounting and Financial Control, Faculty of Management Technology, The German University in Cairo, New Cairo City – Cairo, 11835, Egypt

Abstract: Electric energy coming from fossil fuels represents around 85% of total electricity requirements in Egypt. However, the supply of energy in the Arab world is expected to run dry in the coming 30-50 years. With the increase in energy needs, rise in fossil fuel prices, and swelling of greenhouse gas emissions, the use of renewable and more environment-friendly energy sources to supply power is gaining increased attention. Egypt has great potential in utilising solar energy to generate energy products and electricity. However, solar energy is still abandoned in Egypt due to its high costs. This paper examines the relative significance of several accounting and economic factors, such as depreciation schemes and financing options, in reducing solar energy costs. These factors are considered as a substitute for direct subsidies which are difficult to implement for various reasons. The results of the study provide a number of policy implications that can be applied to make solar energy closer to cost-competitiveness and contribute to solve the energy problem in Egypt.

Keywords: solar energy costs; cost efficiency; government incentives; accounting factors; economic factors; Egypt; solar power; depreciation schemes; financing options; renewable energy policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEA.2012.049076

International Journal of Economics and Accounting, 2012 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.322 - 343

Published online: 06 Aug 2014 *

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