RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is a world leader when it comes to extracting energy sources from the ground, but it is the Kingdom’s drive to harness a power supply in the sky that is attracting attention.

Favorable government policies, a shift to meeting energy demands through renewable power, and a reduced dependence on fossil fuels are all factors pushing forward the Kingdom’s solar industry.

The ambitious target of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program sees the Kingdom aiming for a solar energy capacity of 40 gigawatts by 2030, promising significant opportunities for the market in the years to come.

According to market research firm Mordor Intelligence, the Kingdom’s solar market is projected to achieve a compound annual growth rate of 51 percent between 2024 and 2029 as a host of facilities come online.

However, challenges lie ahead with the rise of alternative clean energy sources like wind and the continued availability of fossil fuels potentially hindering solar energy market growth.

Solar technologies deployed in Saudi Arabia to maximize energy efficiency 

According to Christopher Decker, partner in energy and natural resources at Oliver Wyman, India, Middle East and Africa, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of innovative solar technologies aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability in the region.

“One notable advancement is the Dumat Al-Jandal Concentrated Solar Power plant, which harnesses solar energy to heat liquid for thermal energy storage, enabling energy availability even when sunlight is not present,” he said.

“Additionally, the Sakaka Solar Plant employs bifacial solar panels that take advantage of the reflectivity of the surrounding sand, significantly enhancing solar efficiency. To maintain optimal performance, projects like the Noor Energy 1 plant in NEOM have implemented waterless robotic cleaning technologies, which not only ensure high efficiency but also reduce operational costs,” Decker added.

The Oliver Whyman official went on to note that the integration of smart grids and artificial intelligence technologies allows for the optimization of solar energy generation by predicting energy demand and forecasting weather patterns, thereby minimizing waste.

“Lastly, the NEOM Green Hydrogen initiative exemplifies the use of solar power to produce green hydrogen and subsequently green ammonia, showcasing a commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Together, these technologies position Saudi Arabia as a leader in solar innovation, driving the transition toward a more sustainable energy future,” Decker said.

Solar technologies globally have reached a high degree of maturity and the cost reductions are driven by the growing efficiency of solar cells as well as economies of scale.

According to Adnan Merhaba, partner and energy and utilities practice lead at Arthur D. Little Middle East, these incremental innovations have also made their way into Saudi Arabia and some developers have proposed additional developments, such as bifacial solar cells, that can further enhance yields.

“Saudi Arabia, a leader in water desalination technology, is also pioneering solar desalination to enhance sustainability. Furthermore, research institutes in KSA are investing in the next generation of higher efficiency solar cells such as tandem perovskite cells that can achieve a step change for efficiency gains,” Merhaba said.

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is a prime example of the growing solar industry in Saudi Arabia.

According to Stefaan De Wolf, professor of material science and engineering at the Physical Science and Engineering Division in the university, the institution is pioneering research and development in emerging photovoltaic technologies aimed at maximizing energy efficiency and sustainability.

“One of the key innovations we are advancing is the combination of perovskite and silicon PV, which significantly enhances solar power efficiency beyond traditional technologies. This hybrid approach has the potential to achieve ultra-high efficiency solar cells for even harsh environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia – high temperatures and dust,” De Wolf said.

“Additionally, we are exploring the development of bifacial solar panels, which can generate electricity from both sides, further improving energy yield. These innovations are designed to help Saudi Arabia not only maximize its solar energy potential but also contribute to the global advancement of sustainable energy solutions,” the professor added.

From his side, Qiaoqiang Gan, professor of material science and engineering at the same division, shed light on the fact that industry players are actively seeking advanced thermal management technologies to reduce the operational temperatures of PV systems installed in the Kingdom.

“This challenge is pressing for Middle Eastern countries due to the region’s high temperatures. Addressing this issue requires more reliable materials and devices on a microscopic level, as well as advanced thermal management strategies on an operational level,” Gan said.

Shihab El-Borai, partner with Strategy& Middle East, noted that projects like the Sudair Solar PV exemplify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cutting-edge technologies, incorporating bifacial panels and sun-tracking systems to maximize efficiency.

“Saudi Arabia is leveraging world-class innovations in solar energy to not only produce electricity but to create a sustainable model for the entire region,” El-Borai said.

“Companies like Mirai Solar are also making strides with multifunctional solar panels that harness diffused sunlight while providing variable shading. These innovations demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s ability to leverage cutting-edge technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and position itself as a global leader in solar energy,” he added.

Solar sector contribution to the Kingdom’s economic diversification and energy goals

The growth of Saudi Arabia’s solar energy industry is vital for the nation’s economic diversification and is in line with the goals of Vision 2030. Through the enhancement of solar power infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is catalyzing the emergence of fresh sectors, enticing international investments, and cultivating a culture of innovation.

“This growth not only supports local manufacturing and supply chains but also generates employment opportunities and enhances human capital development, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in renewable energy,” Decker from Oliver Wyman said.

“In terms of energy security, solar power contributes to a resilient and diversified energy mix. By incorporating advanced solar technologies, energy storage, and smart grids, Saudi Arabia can enhance the flexibility and stability of its electricity grid,” he added.

The Oliver Wyman partner continued to highlight that solar-powered initiatives, like green hydrogen production, ensure that the Kingdom adds an additional stream of energy exportation, tapping into new revenue streams while promoting environmental sustainability.

“This strategic expansion strengthens Saudi Arabia’s energy capabilities for the future,” Decker concluded in that regard.

Demand for power is ever increasing in the Kingdom, largely driven by economic and population growth as well as giga-scale developments across the country.

“The wide deployment of solar projects can also prop up adjacent sectors such as battery storage, smart grid technologies and green hydrogen production. From an energy security perspective, burning less hydrocarbons for domestic use frees up more oil for export, enhancing revenues for investment in economic diversification and also supports the Kingdom achieve its sustainability goals,” he added.

On KAUST’s behalf, De Wolf explained that by investing in renewable energy, particularly solar power, the Kingdom is reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and building a more sustainable and resilient economy.

As for Gan, he indicated that given its geographical location, Saudi Arabia has an abundance of solar energy, surpassing that of many developed countries – an evident advantage in terms of available sunlight as an energy source.

“However, high temperatures present a significant challenge, leading to overheating in semiconductor solar cells. To effectively implement PV systems in Saudi Arabia, it is essential to develop specialized solutions that fully account for the unique local weather and environmental conditions. Such solutions must aim to maximize the utilization of abundant solar energy while mitigating the adverse impacts on PV performance,” the professor said.

He further noted that developing these specialized solutions will require further research and development, presenting both opportunities and challenges in advancing energy security goals.

El-Borai from PwC noted that by shifting toward renewables, the Kingdom is securing a more stable and sustainable energy supply, which supports broader economic growth.

“The localization of renewable energy manufacturing is another critical component. Saudi Arabia is focusing on producing renewable energy components domestically, reducing import dependency and positioning itself as a hub for clean energy technologies. By localizing renewable energy production, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a hub for clean energy technology in the region, enhancing both economic growth and energy security,” he said.

“By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to produce 1.2 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually, with solar energy powering the electrolysis process. This dual focus on solar and hydrogen is expected to drive further economic diversification and solidify the Kingdom’s leadership in green energy,” El-Borai added.

Challenges encountered in the Kingdom’s solar industry

The deployment of solar energy in Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges, particularly around localizing the value chain and addressing environmental factors such as high temperatures and dust.

From Decker’s perspective, Saudi Arabia faces several challenges in scaling up its solar energy capacity, two of which are infrastructure limitations and regulatory complexities.

“To address these challenges, Saudi Arabia is investing in modernizing its grid infrastructure through smart grid technologies and energy storage solutions, enabling better management of intermittent solar power. The government is working on streamlined regulatory processes and introducing incentive schemes, such as public-private partnerships and favorable tariffs, to encourage private sector investment, but there is still much to do in this area,” he added.

From Arthur D. Little Middle East’s side, Merhaba said that in order to meet its highly ambitious objectives by 2030, the Kingdom will have to overcome technical challenges, global supply chain issues due to increasing demands for solar cells, and supply concentrated largely in China.

There are also concerns around the disruptions in global trade, the localization and human capital needed to ensure development of a robust and competitive solar value chain industry in the Kingdom, and adequate supply of engineers and technicians to meet the growing demand in the sector.

The country has strong strategies and policies, including national industrial and localization plans, along with other initiatives, that are poised to help them tackle these obstacles effectively.

Saudi Vision 2030 impact on strategies for transitioning toward renewable energy sources

By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to produce approximately 58.7 GW of renewable energy, with solar energy contributing 40 GW to this total.

On behalf of Oliver Wyman, Decker explained that in terms of establishing a regulatory framework to facilitate the development of renewable energy, Vision 2030 outlines the need for a supportive environment.

This involves creating policies that incentivize private sector participation through Power Purchase Agreements that guarantee long-term revenue for investors, subsidies and tariff reforms to make renewable energy more competitive, and streamlined licensing processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for solar projects. 

With regards to promoting private sector investment, Decker highlighted that the Saudi government is actively encouraging public-private partnerships and foreign direct investment to drive the growth of solar power projects. 

“The National Renewable Energy Program, launched under Vision 2030, is a key initiative that seeks to attract $30-$50 billion in investments for renewable energy projects,” he said.

In terms of maintaining a strong traditional energy sector while investing in diversification, Decker added: “While Vision 2030 emphasizes the transition to renewable energy, it also acknowledges the importance of maintaining a robust traditional energy sector, particularly oil and gas, which remain critical to the Kingdom’s economy.”

This comes as Saudi Arabia aims to optimize its oil and gas production through technological advancements and efficiency improvements to ensure the sector continues to generate revenue.

On behalf of Arthur D. Little Middle East, Merhaba highlighted that the Kingdom has undergone a pivotal shift in its economic and energy landscape in recent years.

“It ushered in the era of renewables and accelerated the deployment of solar. With a highly ambitious target to achieve 50 percent renewable adoption by 2030, which are under consideration for an upward revision, it has not only led to development of mega solar projects at record low prices, but also to build momentum in developing national champions across the solar value chain,” he said.

KAUST representative De Wolf reiterated the fact that the Vision has created a favorable climate for investment and development, with ambitious renewable energy targets shaping the future of the Kingdom’s energy mix.

Similarly, Gan emphasized that the Vision 2030 has created fertile ground for solar energy development, with policies that incentivize public-private partnerships and invest heavily in renewable energy infrastructure.

“This initiative aims to diversify the Kingdom’s energy mix by transitioning toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources,” he said.

From PwC’s side, El-Borai explained that the National Renewable Energy Program is central to this.

“By 2060, Saudi Arabia aims to reach Net Zero status, supported by significant financial commitments, such as the planned $266 billion investment in cleaner energy sources, including solar,” he said.

“The Kingdom is actively developing projects with a capacity of 20 GW annually to meet its target of 100 GW to 130 GW of clean energy by 2030. This strategic framework also emphasizes localizing renewable energy manufacturing, with collaborations like the Public Investment Fund’s partnership with Chinese solar manufacturers to establish 30 GW of solar PV production capacity. The NREP is not just about generating clean energy — it’s about securing the Kingdom’s energy future and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels,” the PwC partner said.

RIYADH: From protecting its growing digital infrastructure to exporting cybersecurity technologies and expertise, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key player in addressing global cyber threats.

The Kingdom has made significant strides in developing its technology infrastructure, a key pillar of its Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil.

This digital transformation has been accompanied by a comprehensive approach to online safety – including the adoption of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which focuses on creating a secure digital landscape that supports rapid technological advancements.

“The growth of Saudi Arabia’s tech infrastructure has substantially enhanced its cybersecurity capabilities,” Sohil Mohamed, director, cyber risk advisory lead at Alvarez & Marsal told Arab News.

He praised the National Cybersecurity Strategy,  saying that it prioritizes resilience, secure digital landscapes, and trust.

This strategic approach ensures that Saudi Arabia’s technological growth is supported by adaptive risk management and dynamic defense mechanisms.

In addition to the government’s efforts, the private sector has also played a critical role in building a secure digital ecosystem.

The expanding cybersecurity market in Saudi Arabia

As one of the fastest-growing markets in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity sector is valued at approximately SR13.3 billion.

This rapidly expanding market offers substantial opportunities for public-private partnerships, particularly in developing advanced cybersecurity solutions and creating new business models for commercial involvement.

Additionally, the Saudi government’s focus on digital transformation and cybersecurity has opened new avenues for investment.

“Key areas of focus include the development of advanced cybersecurity solutions, engagement in public-private partnerships, and contributions to national initiatives such as the Cybersecurity Catalyst Program spearheaded by the National Cybersecurity Authority,” Mohamed said.

These initiatives are driving a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to strengthen the Kingdom’s cyber resilience.

Saudi Arabia’s investment in the sector also positions it as a key player in the global cybersecurity market.

The government has partnered with international organizations and cybersecurity firms to enhance its capabilities and bolster the country’s readiness to handle large-scale cyber threats.

This proactive stance is evident in Saudi Arabia’s role as host of major events, such as the Global Cybersecurity Forum, which brings together industry leaders.

Protecting national infrastructure – a key priority

Critical Information Infrastructure Protection has become a top priority for Saudi Arabia as it seeks to secure vital sectors, such as energy, finance, and transportation, from cyber threats.

The Kingdom has experienced several high-profile cyberattacks, most notably the Shamoon attack in 2012, which targeted Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest energy companies.

This incident underscored the importance of building robust cybersecurity measures to protect national assets.

Saudi corporations are increasingly focused on quantifying the economic impact of potential cyberattacks, particularly in industries that form the backbone of the national economy.

“Saudi corporations are progressively implementing sophisticated risk assessment tools and methodologies to quantify the economic impact of cyber threats,” Mohamed said.

He explained that this includes evaluating potential financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage from cyber incidents.

Additionally, cyber insurance is becoming a critical tool for mitigating risks. This provides financial protection against potential cyberattacks and promotes the adoption of best practices across industries.

The growing reliance on cyber insurance reflects the increased awareness among Saudi businesses of the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.

Exporting cybersecurity expertise and technology

Saudi Arabia’s progress in cybersecurity is not only benefitting the Kingdom but also positioning it as a global leader capable of exporting expertise and technologies.

The National Cybersecurity Authority has been instrumental in fostering international collaborations and creating platforms for knowledge sharing.

Initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity Academy provide advanced training to professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to address both domestic and international challenges.

Alvarez & Marsal’s Mohamed said: “By leveraging its robust cybersecurity frameworks and strategic partnerships, Saudi Arabia can offer tailored cybersecurity services and solutions to other regions. Initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity Academy by the NCA.”

This capacity for exporting cybersecurity solutions will allow Saudi Arabia to play a critical role in addressing global online threats.

Moreover, the Kingdom’s strategic location and status as a regional economic hub make it a key player in cybersecurity across the Middle East and North Africa region.

Saudi Arabia is increasingly seen as a model for other countries seeking to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. Its experience in managing threats and building resilient digital infrastructure has positioned it as a leader in this space.

The Kingdom’s efforts to protect its critical infrastructure are seen not just as a defensive necessity but also as a key pillar in positioning the Kingdom as a leader in global cybersecurity. Vision 2030 has been a central driver of this transformation.

Samer Omar, cybersecurity and digital trust leader at PwC Middle East, highlighted to Arab News how the Kingdom’s digital growth has shaped its cybersecurity strategy.

“Saudi Arabia has achieved fourth place globally in the digital services index, first regionally, and second among G20 nations. The rapid advance in technology has increased the digital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, which in turn has further increased its exposure to cyber-attacks,” Omar said.

He added: “In response, the Kingdom has successfully orchestrated a combination of regulations, investments, and awareness which has propelled most sectors to adopt a proactive security by design approach.”

This proactive approach allowed Saudi Arabia to secure the highest ranking possible in the UN Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, a reflection of the Kingdom’s investment in a secure digital future.

Omar pointed out that Vision 2030 has accelerated the investment in human capital to build critical national capability and aid nationals in attaining key cybersecurity skills and certifications.

He also emphasized the vital role Vision 2030 plays in safeguarding the Kingdom’s critical sectors, particularly energy, finance, and smart cities, which are integral to the nation’s economy.

“Saudi Arabia faces compelling challenges in these critical sectors due to the complex infrastructure, creating a potentially vulnerable and vast attack surface for adversaries,” Omar said.

Omar noted Saudi Arabia’s determination to not only secure its own digital landscape but also position itself as a cybersecurity leader on the global stage.

This leadership is exemplified by initiatives like the Global Cybersecurity Forum, which Omar describes as “a unique ecosystem and platform that is actively engaging with leading bodies such as the World Economic Forum,” thus shaping the future of cybersecurity well beyond the Kingdom.

Addressing the cybersecurity talent gap

Saudi Arabia has been proactively addressing the shortage of cybersecurity talent by heavily investing in capacity-building programs supported by both public and private sectors.

“There are an estimated 19,600 Saudi cybersecurity professionals with 32 percent of them being female,” Omar said.

He continued: “In addition, most major universities have cybersecurity education and training including Capture The Flag competitions, and all the major cybersecurity technology vendors provide training on their products and services.”

These efforts are integral to the country’s broader vision of strengthening its digital infrastructure under Vision 2030.

A secure future

According to Omar, the cybersecurity industry in Saudi Arabia is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative and robust regulatory frameworks.

“NCA released a report this year that estimates the size of the cybersecurity market to be SR13.3 billion with 31 percent of the spending from the public sector and the remaining 69 percent from the private sector,” he said.

Omar went on to say: “Some analysts estimate the cybersecurity CAGR to be between 11 percent to 13 percent.”

This is due to Vision 2030, which serves as a catalyst for developing the digital ecosystem, Omar explained, emphasizing the strategic role of the initiative in shaping the country’s cyber transformation.