It is imperative to note that energy plays a vital role in many regions, given its significant impact on the socio-economic development of those areas. However, the continuous growth of the population has led to a rising demand for energy, thereby exerting pressure on policymakers. These decision-makers must take into account the technical, geo-environmental, and financial constraints specific to their region when addressing this issue. As the demand for energy gradually increases, decision-makers must address various aspects of the region’s energy security. This involves ensuring uninterrupted access to affordable, reliable, renewable, and environmentally friendly energy services within specific timeframes and geographic locations. The concept of energy security has attracted global attention, including within the MENAT region (Chentouf & Allouch, 2021).

Given the finite nature of fossil fuel-based energy, relying on such resources is an unwise strategy, and decision-makers should shift their focus to alternative solutions. While renewable energy offers a feasible option, energy efficiency addresses energy consumption and demand. From a simplified perspective, energy efficiency is defined as achieving the same output within a specific process or activity while using less energy than conventional methods (Moezzi, 2000).

Through the implementation of energy efficiency strategies, a multitude of benefits emerges, ranging from socio-economic improvements to enhancements in human well-being (EERE, 2022). Among these, the most prominent benefits include a reduction in energy consumption by 20 to 40%, a savings increase of 20 to 40%, and a decrease of 20 to 40% in greenhouse gas emissions (Schlomann & Eichhammer, 2014). These savings relieve pressure on the national grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuel-derived energy, thus enhancing the overall energy security of the respective region (Nogee, Clemmer, Donovan, & Deyette, 2002).

Azzuni , A., & Breyer, C. (2020, May 15). Global Energy Security Index and Its Application on National Level. Energies, 13(10), 1-49. Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.3390/en13102502

Chentouf, M., & Allouch, M. (2021, October 15). Environmental energy security in the MENA region-an aggregated composite index. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24(9), 10945-10972. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01891-2

EERE. (2022, October 3). Energy Efficiency. Retrieved from Office of Energy Effciency & Renewable Energy: https://www.energy.gov/eere/energy-efficiency

Moezzi, M. (2000). Decoupling Energy Efficiency from Energy Consumption. Energy & Environment, 11(5), 521 – 537. doi:https://doi-org.ezproxy.aub.edu.lb/10.1260/0958305001500301

Nogee, A., Clemmer, S., Donovan, D., & Deyette, J. (2002, April). Clean Energy Blueprint: Increasing Energy Security, Saving Money, and Protecting the Environment With Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, 22(2), 100-109. doi:https://doi-org.ezproxy.aub.edu.lb/10.1177/0270467602022002004

Schlomann, B., & Eichhammer, W. (2014). Interaction between Climate, Emissions Trading and Energy Efficiency Targets. Energy & Environment, 25(3-4), 709-731. doi:https://doi-org.ezproxy.aub.edu.lb/10.1260/0958-305X.25.3-4.709