How investment in solar capacity is powering Saudi Arabia’s sustainable energy future

The Sakaka Solar farm in Al-Jouf province, the first project under the NREP, generates 300 MW. (Acwa Power photo)
Short Url
Updated 26 October 2024
Follow

How investment in solar capacity is powering Saudi Arabia’s sustainable energy future

  • With a goal of sourcing 50 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030, Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in solar
  • The Kingdom plans to generate 58.7 GW of renewable energy by 2030, with 40 GW of this sourced from solar PV

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is embarking on a transformative journey to establish itself as a key player in the global renewable energy sector.

With a goal of sourcing 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, the Kingdom is investing heavily in solar energy, capitalizing on its abundant sunlight. 

This commitment is part of the broader National Renewable Energy Program strategy, aimed at diversifying its energy portfolio and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

By the end of the decade, Saudi Arabia aims to generate 58.7 gigawatts of renewable energy. This includes 40 GW from solar photovoltaics, alongside 16 GW from wind energy and 2.7 GW from concentrated solar power.

The scale of this initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.

In 2024, Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi minister for energy, announced plans to tender new renewable energy projects with an annual capacity of 20 GW. This could potentially lead to a total capacity of 100-130 GW by 2030. 

The pace of these developments will depend on the growth in electricity demand, indicating a proactive approach to meeting future energy needs.

A significant milestone was reached on June 26, 2023, when the Saudi Power Procurement Company signed power purchase agreements for three new solar PV projects totaling 5.5 GW. 

These are Haden Solar PV in Makkah Province with 2,000 megawatts, Al-Muwayh Solar PV in Makkah Province with a further 2,000 MW, and Al-Khushaybi PV in Qassim Province with 1,500 MW. 

Several solar power plants are already operational. These include the Sakaka Solar PV Park, the first project under the NREP, generating 300 MW in Al-Jawf.

Another is Rabigh Solar PV Park at Rabigh Industrial City in Makkah region, which generates 400 MW, and Jubail 3B IWP Solar PV Park which produces 45.5 MW, powering the Jubail 3A water desalination plant in Eastern Province.




Rabigh Solar PV Park at Rabigh Industrial City generates 400 MW. (Supplied)

The Haradh Solar PV Park generates 30 MW in Eastern Province, and Al-Kharj Solar PV Park produces 15 MW in Riyadh.

Looking ahead, several major solar projects are in the planning stages, such as Al-Sadawi Independent Power Producer Solar Power Plant, set to have a capacity of 2,000 MW. 

Sudair Solar PV Project has a planned capacity of 1,500 MW in Riyadh. Al-Masa’a IPP Solar Power Plant will generate 1,000 MW in Hail, while Ar Rass Solar PV Park is expected to have a capacity of 700 MW in Al-Qassim.

These upcoming projects demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s positive approach to expanding its renewable energy capabilities and its readiness to meet growing energy demands.

Despite these advancements, experts have cautioned against overestimating the impact of current growth.

“Saudi Arabia has a yearly energy demand of about 400 terawatt hours,” Michael Salvador, co-founder and CEO of Mirai Solar and technology lead at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s Solar Center, told Arab News.

“To meet this need solely through renewables, approximately 200 GW of installations would be required.”

The recent addition of 2 GWs represents roughly 1 percent of that demand, all while energy consumption is rapidly increasing, he said.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Saudi Arabia aims to source 50 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030.

• The Kingdom plans to generate 58.7 GW of renewable energy by 2030, with 40 GW from solar PV.

• Between 2022 and 2024, it added 2.1 GW of renewable capacity, enough to power more than 520,000 homes.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment has highlighted the need for further investment to optimize these large-scale solar projects that are part of NREP to leverage the Kingdom’s abundant natural resources for renewable energy production.

To do this, the government is also capitalizing on its access to large regional markets, its growing knowledge-driven economy, and an ecosystem designed to attract investors.

Between 2022 and early 2024, Saudi Arabia added 2.1 GW of renewable power capacity — a 300 percent increase from the 700 MW that was created between 2012 and 2022. 

Since 2022, some 2,100 MW of renewable energy has been added to the grid, totaling 2,800 MW. This is enough to power more than 520,000 homes.

“While the 300 percent increase sounds impressive, it’s crucial to recognize that it’s just a start,” said Salvador. “If we think of it in terms of absolute energy needs, the challenge remains substantial.”

In December 2023, Saudi officials announced how the Kingdom intended to achieve net zero by 2060. They highlighted more than 80 initiatives, funded by a $188 billion investment, for a greener future.

Founded in 2019 as a spinoff from KAUST, Mirai Solar is pioneering innovative solar panel technology aimed at enhancing PV efficiency. The firm has championed the concept of “PV shading,” which utilizes blocked sunlight to generate electricity.

This technology has promising applications across various sectors, including sustainable agriculture and electric vehicle charging stations.

“To accelerate the energy transition, we need both utility-scale deployment and decentralized renewable energy solutions,” said Salvador.

While the government has primarily focused on large-scale projects, Salvador said he supports smaller, decentralized systems that can be quickly implemented and have a meaningful impact, provided the right legislative and financial incentives are in place.

The environmental benefits of Saudi Arabia’s push for solar energy are significant. Salvador calculates that generating 4 TWh of energy from solar could potentially avoid 2.8 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions from approximately 6.5 million barrels of oil.

This reduction aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to a greener future.

Salvador believes a greater focus is needed on educating the public about why renewables are important from an economic and environmental perspective if solar technology development is to succeed in Saudi Arabia. 

“Create incentives for everyone to consider and adopt renewable energy solutions,” he said. “Now, this can’t be implemented overnight. Things like grid stability need to be considered first.”

However, he said promoting innovation specific to the country will help accelerate the transformation. “Shading is, for me, a prominent example because it’s everywhere. Shading could power schools, hospitals, universities, office buildings, and food production.”

Salvador said it was also crucial to highlight research in future technologies. 




Combo image showing KAUST postdoctoral fellow Esma Ugur displays the perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell that she and team researchers in the KAUST Photovoltaics Laboratory developed (left) and a close view of the Close view of the tandem solar cell, recognized as the world’s most efficient silicon/perovskite tandem solar cell (right). (Photos courtesy of KAUST)

“KAUST is a good example, where the research group of Stefaan de Wolf has established multiple world records of a new and promising technology called silicon-perovskite tandem solar cells, which could revolutionize the manufacturing of solar panels,” he said.

As Saudi Arabia positions itself at the forefront of the renewable energy transition, the combination of government support, technological innovation, and strategic investment will be crucial in realizing its ambitious goals in solar energy.

The Kingdom’s solar power surge is not only vital for local energy security but also plays a significant role in combating climate change and promoting sustainable development in the region.
 

 


KSrelief signs initiative to support orphans in Mali

Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

KSrelief signs initiative to support orphans in Mali

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has signed an agreement with an organization that supports orphans in Mali, the Saudi Press Agency reported late on Thursday.

Ahmed bin Ali Al-Baiz, assistant supervisor general for operations and programs, inked the pact to sponsor 1,350 orphans, including covering their tuition fees.

In addition, the sponsorship would assist 430 orphans who are breadwinners for their families, the SPA reported.


Warning of heavy rain, flooding across Saudi Arabia

Commuters make their way through a flooded road after heavy rains in Mecca earlier this year. (File/AFP)
Updated 41 min 55 sec ago
Follow

Warning of heavy rain, flooding across Saudi Arabia

  • Makkah and Riyadh to have moderate to heavy rain, Civil Defense forecasts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defense has warned of possible heavy rainfall and flooding in several regions of the country until Tuesday.

In an advisory carried by the Saudi Press Agency late Thursday, the directorate said Makkah is likely to have moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by hail and strong wind.

Moderate to heavy rain is also expected in Riyadh, while Najran in the southwest may experience lighter rainfall.

Rainfall is also likely in the western regions of Madinah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, central Qassim, Hail and Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province.

“Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, avoid flood-prone areas, and adhere to safety guidelines shared via various media channels,” the Civil Defense advisory stated.


Civil defense warns of heavy rains, potential flooding across Saudi Arabia

Updated 02 May 2025
Follow

Civil defense warns of heavy rains, potential flooding across Saudi Arabia

  • Makkah and Riyadh regions forecast to have moderate to heavy rain

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Civil Defense has warned against heavy rainfall and potential flooding in multiple regions across the Kingdom until Tuesday. 

In an advisory carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the directorate said Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by hail and strong winds.

Moderate to heavy rain are also expected in Riyadh region, while Najran in the southwest may experience lighter rainfall.

Also expected to experience rainfall are the western regions of Madinah, Al-Baha, Asir, and Jazan; the central region of Qassim; Hail and Northern Borders in the north; and the Eastern Province region.

“Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, avoid flood-prone areas, and adhere to safety guidelines shared via various media channels,” the Civil Defense advisory said.


How Saudi schools are using AI to personalize learning and streamline administration

Updated 02 May 2025
Follow

How Saudi schools are using AI to personalize learning and streamline administration

  • AI tools help students with disabilities through speech-to-text, adaptive interfaces, and screen-reading technologies
  • Educators’ roles are evolving as AI handles tasks like grading and performance tracking, freeing teachers to focus on mentoring

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia forges ahead with its Vision 2030 initiative, artificial intelligence is becoming a cornerstone of its education reform.

Across the Kingdom, AI technologies are reshaping classrooms — personalizing learning, streamlining administration and helping students of all abilities engage with their studies in new ways.

“AI technology has significantly changed the way many students, including myself, approach studying and managing coursework,” Abdullah Mohammed, a law student at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, told Arab News.

“Tools like AI tutoring systems and study apps have made learning more efficient, personalized and accessible.”

While Mohammed said AI tools have enhanced his learning experience, he also acknowledged the need for caution.

“Some AI tools provide quick solutions without much depth, so if I’m not careful, I might miss the critical thinking part of the learning process,” he said.

Tools like AI tutoring systems and study apps have made learning more efficient, personalized and accessible, observers Saudi law student Abdullah Mohammed,. (Reuters photo)

Ultimately, however, Mohammed said he is confident AI has better prepared him for the job market.

The strategic alignment between AI and Vision 2030 is clear, according to Abdulrahman Al-Motrif, professor of information technology and educational computing at King Saud University.

“AI supports the goals of Vision 2030 by enabling personalized learning, optimizing resource management and facilitating access to quality education regardless of geographic location,” he told Arab News.

“AI systems can analyze student performance in real-time, allowing educators to tailor instruction to individual learning needs, thereby enhancing student outcomes and supporting the Kingdom’s ambition to cultivate a future-ready workforce.”

Al-Motrif also highlighted AI’s role in promoting inclusive education.

“AI reinforces Vision 2030’s emphasis on equity, accessibility, and lifelong learning by reaching remote communities and students with special needs,” he said.

This demonstrates AI’s impact not just as a technological innovation, but also as a powerful force for social transformation.

Leading platforms like Alef Education and Classera are already putting this vision into practice. Using real-time analytics, they adapt content to each student’s learning style, proficiency and pace.

Classera platform offers a gamified Learning Management System (LMS) app called C-Kids for kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils. (Classer illustration image)

A study by Alef Education found that students using AI-enhanced platforms achieved a 25 percent improvement in academic performance over just one semester — strong evidence of AI’s ability to boost outcomes through personalized learning.

Crucially, AI is helping make education more accessible. In Saudi Arabia’s diverse learning landscape, tools such as speech-to-text software, adaptive interfaces and real-time assessments are opening doors for students with disabilities.

At King Saud University, collaborations with AI developers have produced tools for visually impaired students, converting written content into audio and using advanced screen-reading technology.

“AI has transformed the learning environment into a more interactive and engaging space,” said Al-Motrif. “Gamified learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems provide immediate feedback and customized challenges.”

These innovations not only enhance academic performance, but also spark motivation and sustained engagement among learners.

AI is also streamlining back-end operations. Platforms like Madrasati now use AI to monitor attendance, track engagement and assess academic progress, freeing educators to focus more on teaching and mentoring.

Yet AI is not replacing teachers — it is redefining their roles.

“In AI-supported classrooms, educators serve as facilitators, mentors and human connectors in an increasingly digital ecosystem, using AI-generated insights to identify learning gaps,” said Al-Motrif.

A book issued by UNESCO cited the success of “Madrasati” as a globally innovative and distinguished educational model during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Madrasati illustration image)

Still, challenges remain. One significant obstacle is the shortage of Arabic-language content online — making up only 1.2 percent of global digital resources — which limits the effectiveness of AI systems trained on data-rich environments.

To fully realize AI’s benefits, Saudi Arabia must invest in digitizing traditional materials, promoting Arabic content creation and partnering with AI firms to develop language-specific algorithms.

Some institutions are already leading the way. Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University and King Abdulaziz University have adopted AI-powered systems to personalize instruction and track student performance, leading to higher satisfaction and retention rates.

These successes show that AI is not merely a technological upgrade — it is a catalyst for reimagining education.

Photo: Pexel/Pavel Danilyuk

By leveraging AI thoughtfully, Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to deliver high-quality, personalized and inclusive education while advancing its Vision 2030 goals.

But achieving this future will require more than just technology. It will demand investment, collaboration and a commitment to ensuring that innovation, pedagogy and policy move forward together.

With sustained effort, AI could become the foundation of a dynamic, future-ready education system — one that prepares all learners for the opportunities of the digital age.
 

 


Saudi FM discusses issues of common interest with Peruvian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives his Peruvian counterpart Elmer Schialer Salcedo in Riyadh on Thursday.
Updated 01 May 2025
Follow

Saudi FM discusses issues of common interest with Peruvian counterpart

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Peruvian counterpart Elmer Schialer Salcedo and the country’s Minister of Mines and Energy Jorge Montero in Riyadh on Thursday.

During the meeting, Saudi-Peruvian relations, aspects of joint cooperation in various fields, and a number of international issues of common interest were discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.