Renewable and sustainable energy production in Saudi Arabia according to Saudi Vision 2030; Current status and future prospects

Abstract

Renewable and sustainable energy (RnSE) resources have recently been marked as a major key for a stable economy worldwide, particularly in developed countries, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). RnSE has been used in diverse technological applications and is shown to be an auspicious and reliable substitute for common hydrocarbon as an energy source. The KSA is a dynamic state that faces a rapid growth in population rate, which has caused large electricity consumption. Thus, the KSA has invested billions of dollars in installing huge RnSE projects in many locations around the country with robust financing capabilities. However, this study aims to review the current status, growth, potential, resources, the sustainability performance and future prospects of RnSE technologies in KSA according to Saudi Vision 2030. The resources of RnSE such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and biomass have been reviewed. It is found that the solar power, as an example, has been proven to be one of the sufficient RnSE source with abundant technological advancement in electricity generation for more than 50 years. The usage of RnSE resources reduces the reliance on oil and natural gas and introduces RnSE from clean and maintainable resources for the Saudi national economy. The shortages of electricity and the challenges to conquer the increment in the demands of electrical in the nearest future have been also deliberated. The studies found that some of RnSE technologies have not been used adequately at present and might play a significant role in the upcoming of KSA’s RnSE. Besides, it is found that there is a need to inspect the potential of offshore-wind, biomass, and thermal energy. Further, this review attempts to provide a comprehensive insight into the potential applications of RnSE technologies for developing a sound energy policy to attain energy security and reduce cost, thereby ensuring the efficiency of RnSE applications toward the long-term prosperity and energy reservation in the KSA. This paper has been concluded with several recommendations for the use of these RnSE resources.