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03/28/2024 12:50:34 pm

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Saudi Arabia Grudgingly Accepts Solar Energy

Solar panel display.

(Photo : pictures.reuters.com)

Solar energy has become a must for Saudi Arabia if the kingdom wants to maintain its high standard of living.

Executive Director of the Saudi Electricity Company Hamed al-Saggaf said the Saudi Arabia has little to no choice but to pursue the development of solar power.

At the opening day of the fourth solar summit in Riyadh, al-Saggaf said the kingdom must learn to wean itself from its dependence on oil and gas for electricity production.

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He went on to say that if Saudi Arabia continued on its present consumption rate, there will be a great loss of opportunity to develop renewable energy. The kingdom must start pursuing solar energy now.

Saudi Arabia currently has a peak electricity load of 57 gigawatts (GW). Add to that a electricity-hungry middle class and there clearly is a need to consider renewable energy, said al-Saggaf.

While renewable energy has rarely been a priority in the kingdom due to its abundant oil supply, there's now a plan to boost Saudi Arabia's stagnant solar industry.

The plan will see the kingdom invest US$109 billion in solar energy between now and 2032. The aim is establish a solar power capacity of 41 GW. This figure will meet 30 percent of the kingdom's projected 120 GW energy needs by 2032.

"It is a dream right now," said Ali al-Maashi of petrochemicals company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation. "But I think we have the capacity."

He also said Saudi Arabia needs to develop clear policies and frameworks to create a conducive pro-solar environment.

Saudi Arabia's 41 GW goal is being supported by the Chinese National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

Based in Beijing, state-owned CNNC is set to partner with the Saudi energy research center, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A. CARE), to develop nuclear energy in the kingdom.

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