The vision of large-scale photovoltaic and concentrated solar power plants in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is attracting wide attention among decision-makers across the MENA region and Europe, and among international development organisations, financing institutions, as well as corporations and private sector companies. However, the long-term possibility of solar energy export from MENA countries to Europe requires both extensive financial commitments and complex institutional and infrastructural developments. The challenge remains in finding realistic and suitable concepts for the implementation of these power plants in the MENA countries.

Consequently, the “Casablanca Forum”, taking place in Casablanca, Morocco on 15 and 16 June 2010, thus provided a platform for fruitful and constructive discussions on short-term to medium-term goals for large-scale solar power implementation in the MENA region. The conference aimed to identify key factors and framework conditions that are necessary to provide realistic planning and implementation of large-scale solar power. adelphi developed the concept and programme of the conference. adelphi was also responsible for the selection, acquisition and briefing of speakers, invitations and registration, and ensures the overall organisation of the conference.