About us
Introduction
Founded in 2009 as a pioneering industry initiative, Dii Desert Energy (formerly ‘Desertec Industrial Initiative’) is the leading pan-MENA think tank dedicated to driving the energy transition with a strong focus on socio-economic impact. With our footprint across the MENA region, we connect people, countries and clean energy markets globally, driving the transition to net-zero emissions and promoting secure, affordable energy solutions from desert regions.
Our mission is to holistically transform the energy systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) deserts and to pave the way toward a net-zero emission future by unlocking secure, affordable energy from the deserts, by harnessing the power of green electrons and molecules.
Leveraging the expertise of our team and an extensive network of partners, including our top-level Advisory Board, we have been pioneering the energy transition for the past 15 years. Our team comprises highly regarded senior leaders in the international energy sector, with extensive experience in green energy industry, project management, investments, regulations and public policy.
We bring together industry leaders, top executives, and key stakeholders to accelerate the development and implementation of low-emissions projects. These projects will provide affordable, sustainable energy to local communities but also help global markets, advancing our collective journey toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
Dii has evolved significantly over a decade, progressing through three phases of the Desertec Initiative:
- Desertec 1.0: Power from the deserts for Europe
- Desertec 2.0: Emission-free power for MENA in the first place
- Desertec 3.0: Emission-free electrons and molecules for MENA and for the global energy market
Our history
2009: Foundation of Dii GmbH (Munich)
Dii (Desertec Industrial Initiative) was established in Munich by eleven German companies and the Desertec Foundation, a German NGO, as a “not-for-profit” enabler of renewable energy.
2010: Desertec 1.0 Power from the Deserts for Europe
In close coordination, Dii laid down its statutes, formulating its missions and goals as a platform for enabling renewable energy projects.
Desertec 1.0
Export Oriented
2011: Dii Learns to Walk
The focus shifted to preparing services and exploring effective ways to implement the Desertec concept.
2012: Desert Power 2050- The first major milestone of Dii
Dii published the first major study, ‘Desert Power 2050 (DP2050)’, modelling a future energy system between Europe, the Middle East and Africa, relying on almost 100% renewable energy.
2013: System, Countries and Technology Studies
The second Dii study ‘Desert Power: Getting Started’ was presented at the Sustainable Energy Week of the European Commission in Brussels.It detailed the regulatory and financial frameworks for renewable energy development in MENA from 2020-2050.
2014: Desert Power Getting Connected
This study addressed the expansion of electricity grids between continents and countries, emphasizing the integration of desert-generated electricity.
2015: The Move to Dubai
Dii relocated to Dubai, prioritizing renewable energy development in the MENA region.Renewables began to achieve cost competitiveness during this period.
2016-2018 Desertec 2.0 - Renewables for MENA
Dii emphasized emission-free power for the MENA region first and foremost. The organization focused on overcoming practical challenges in wind, solar, and grid projects. During this phase, ‘Dii Desert Energy’ established itself as an international industry network.
Desertec 2.0
Region Oriented
2019: Desertec 3.0 - A Decade of Progress
Dii celebrated its 10th anniversary in Berlin, marking the launch of “Desertec 3.0.” The focus shifted towards market acceleration for net zero energy through green electrons and molecules (e.g., hydrogen and e-fuels), CCUS, transportation, storage, and flexible demand. This phase aimed to position MENA as a global powerhouse for emission-free energy for itself and the global energy market.
2019: The Launch of the MENA Hydrogen Alliance
The Alliance was established as a collaborative platform to accelerate the development of green hydrogen economies in the MENA region. It serves as the ‘voice’ of the industry and a neutral ‘convener,’ offering impartial advice. The Alliance connects producers and off-takers, facilitates dialogue, shapes policy and regulatory frameworks, and educates stakeholders on all aspects of the hydrogen value chain—from ‘source to sink.’ This includes the export of both virtual energy carriers (with renewable and carbon-neutral attributes) and physical energy carriers.
2020: Green Hydrogen for a European Green Deal A 2×40 GW Initiative
This report proposed a 2×40 GW electrolyzer capacity by 2030 to revolutionize Europe’s energy sector. It was presented to Frans Timmermans, EVP of the European Commission in charge of the EU Green Deal.
2023: ZETA - Zeta Emissions Traders Alliance
Dii launched the ZETA initiative in Dubai, creating a platform for energy traders to support the “no emissions” mission. ZETA guides climate-neutral, emission-free energy trading across MENA and global markets, aligning with market principles to reduce greenhouse gas effects.
To find out more about the studies published over the years, kindly visit our dedicated page.
Energy Transition Think Tank
Dii Desert Energy is an independent, international and industry-led network. Our landmark studies and tools on emerging topics, such as the Dii Toolkit and Levelised Costs of Hydrogen models, became a standard in the market; ministries of energy use the models.
By Invitation only Network
Dii Desert Energy is a consolidated invitation-only network of executives: the most established ‘doers of the projects’, such as key developers, utilities and investors. We create tangible business opportunities for our partners while we act as impartial advisors of technical committees and reviewers of strategies.
Knowledge Sharing and Project Accelerator Platform
By connecting industry leaders, we forge knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships and tangible projects in a de-risked environment. As a platform, we amplify climate action initiatives and attract potential trustworthy business partners to drive energy transition projects forward.
Market Enabler
Dii Desert Energy acts as a market enabler to impact the ecosystem and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects in MENA at an early stage. Dii is led by the private sector, but we act as a catalyst between government entities and private companies. Dii is a collaborative public-private ‘platform’ for discussion and the Dii’s community acts as ‘convener’.