Satar Rafie Schahraki

PhD in physical chemistry at Technical University Chemnitz - Chemical vapor deposition and insitu process analytic. Experience in high end semiconductor manufacturing processes at Advanced Microelectronic Devices, Globalfoundries and Intel in Germany, Ireland and USA. Since 2016 worked for Research and technology company CTF Solar GmbH in Dresden Germany in the technology development for CdTe thin film PV module manufacturing equipment and processes. Up to now 37 patents and multiple scientific publications.

Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is undoubtedly a key enabler for achieving net-zero. However, despite a wide range of technology providers claiming cost competitiveness and other advantages over lithium-ion batteries, the latter continue to dominate new deployments. So what's holding LDES back? What is needed to enable more widespread adoption? And when will the age of LDES finally arrive?

Solar installations are on the rise. The deployment is expected to continue over the next four years, reaching 617 GW in 2027. The energy transition towards renewables is well under way in the Middle East and North Africa. The region has advanced and ambitious energy investment and diversification plans in place, driven by the need to meet growing energy demand, promote economic growth, maximize socioeconomic benefits and meet decarbonisation objectives. Analysis for IRENA's World Energy Transitions Outlook (WETO) reveals that the region could obtain almost 26% of its total primary energy supply from renewables by 2050, while the renewable share could reach 53% in the power sector.