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)
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Updated 26 October 2024
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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.
 

 


Online registration for itikaf at Two Holy Mosques begins

Worshippers pray at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. (@AlharamainSA)
Updated 05 March 2025
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Online registration for itikaf at Two Holy Mosques begins

  • Itikaf is the act of remaining in seclusion at a mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan
  • An applicant must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the Kingdom, or hold valid residency status

RIYADH: Authorities are now accepting online applications for itikaf at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque.

Itikaf is the act of remaining in seclusion at a mosque for the last 10 days of Ramadan. While doing so, individuals devote themselves to the worship of God during what Muslims consider to be the best 10 nights of the year.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque urged those who wish to perform the ritual to choose a mosque, submit an application, watch an awareness video to familiarize themselves with the service, and review the conditions that must be fulfilled during the period of seclusion, which runs from Ramadan 20 until the end of the Isha prayer on the night before Eid Al-Fitr.

An applicant must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the Kingdom, or hold valid residency status. Itikaf permits are free and registration requests can be submitted at eserv.wmn.gov.sa.


US-Saudi ties celebrated at 249th Independence Day event in Jeddah

Updated 05 March 2025
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US-Saudi ties celebrated at 249th Independence Day event in Jeddah

JEDDAH: The US Consulate General in Jeddah marked the 249th US Independence Day with its annual celebration, themed “Celebrating 80 Years of the Vision of President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz: Shaping the Future Together.”

The event highlighted the long-standing US-Saudi partnership, focusing on business, innovation, and future collaboration.

Charge d’Affaires ad interim to Saudi Arabia Alison Dilworth and Consul General Ali Lejlic welcomed Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi as the guest of honor.

It was attended by Fareed Al-Shehri, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs branch in Makkah region, members of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished guests from various regions of the Kingdom.

Dilworth emphasized that the historic 1945 meeting between President Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz established a deep and lasting friendship that continues to strengthen US-Saudi relations today.

The event featured an American Business Expo, showcasing US companies’ contributions to Saudi Arabia’s economic development, particularly in healthcare and infrastructure, aligned with Vision 2030.


Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah

Updated 05 March 2025
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Holy Qur’an Museum opens in Makkah

  • Hira project provides immersive experience of Islamic history, Qur’anic heritage

MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz recently inaugurated the Holy Qur’an Museum in Makkah’s Hira Cultural District.

Developed under the supervision of and with support from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, the museum highlights the Qur’an as the primary source of guidance for Muslims and is designed to enrich the religious and cultural experience for both locals and visitors.

It is home to rare manuscripts, historical copies of the Qur’an and interactive displays that allow visitors to explore the journey of Qur’anic transcription and its preservation through history, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Spanning about 67,000 sq. meters, the Hira Cultural District is a focal point for those keen to experience the spirit and history of Makkah. Centered on Mount Hira, where the first revelation descended, it includes various facilities designed to enhance the religious and educational experience.

Among them is the Revelation Exhibition, which offers an interactive portrayal of the descent of revelation, and another that allows visitors to ascend to Hira Cave which was the scene of the revelation.

Among the artifacts on display are a photographed copy of the Qur’an manuscript of Uthman bin Affan and several ancient stone inscriptions of Qur’anic verses.

The project also incorporates the Saudi Coffee Museum, the Cultural Library and Hira Park.

The Holy Qur’an Museum will remain open throughout Ramadan.


Ithra earns diamond certification for its green credentials

Updated 05 March 2025
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Ithra earns diamond certification for its green credentials

  • Cultural center first in class to achieve Mostadam’s highest commendation for sustainability
  • Award reinforces ‘our dedication to leading by example,’ technical manager says

DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture was recently awarded the highest level of certification from the government’s green building rating system, Mostadam.

Ithra, as it is more commonly known, is the first project in the Kingdom to achieve the top level of certification in the operations and existing buildings category.

Abdullah Al-Buqami, technical services manager at Ithra, said: “This recognition reflects our commitment to making Ithra a model of sustainability. We believe that innovation in design and environmental practices can truly shape the future.

“Being the only project receiving a certification in this category in Saudi Arabia is a major milestone in our sustainability journey, reinforcing our dedication to leading by example and inspiring others to elevate sustainability standards across the Kingdom.”

The certification is awarded to existing projects that meet the highest environmental standards and reflect local values. Seen as a benchmark for environmental and social impact, the scheme promotes sustainable practices by enhancing energy and water efficiency, improving environmental performance, optimizing resource management and reducing carbon footprint.

Developed by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, the Mostadam program is tailored to the local climate and environmental conditions. It promotes sustainability in building practices and aims to enhance the efficiency of energy, water and resource usage, while fostering economic growth and job creation. It also aligns with the wider goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Projects can achieve one of five ratings, from green to diamond, based on their adherence to the sustainability criteria.


Historic mosque in Northern Borders undergoes restoration

Updated 05 March 2025
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Historic mosque in Northern Borders undergoes restoration

RIYADH: The historic Al-Duwaid mosque in the Northern Borders region is among the places of worship undergoing restoration as part of a national project.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques focuses on preserving the building’s original Najdi architectural style, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The mosque is historically significant because of its location in Al-Duwaid village, which was a meeting point for traders from Najd and Iraq about 60 years ago.

The village is about 20 km from Rafha governorate and is the site of the remains of Souq Al-Mushahada, which still exist today.

The restoration will expand the area of the mosque from 137 sq. meters to 156 sq. meters, using high-quality materials and built according to traditional standards, setting it apart from modern structures.

After prayers at the site were suspended in years past, the SPA reported that the refurbished mosque will be able to accommodate 54 worshippers.

Al-Duwaid mosque was built 60 years ago using mud construction techniques and natural materials, renowned for their adaptation to the local environment and the hot desert climate.

The project will preserve techniques such as small square openings, strategically placed on the southern side to face the sunlight. These openings form a continuous strip along the mosque’s walls, allowing sunlight in while reducing the intake of cold air.

The mosque’s design features a low ceiling to retain warmth during the winter.

The crown prince’s project aims to balance traditional and modern construction standards to ensure the sustainability of historic mosques, according to the SPA.

Saudi companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the work.

Phase two of the crown prince’s project follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, in which 30 mosques were restored in 10 regions of the Kingdom.