Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Feasibility of Solar PV and Battery Storage for AI Data Centres in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Seasonal Case Study.(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Almutairi, Bandar; Bagdanavicius, AudriusThe rapid growth of data centres driven by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads has significantly increased electricity demand, creating a critical need for reliable and sustainable energy supply strategies. In regions such as Saudi Arabia, where large-scale investments in AI infrastructure are accelerating, this challenge is particularly relevant. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems offer a promising solution to reduce reliance on grid electricity; however, their inherent variability introduces a temporal mismatch with the continuous energy demand of data centres, requiring additional system flexibility. This study evaluates the impact of PV system sizing on the performance of a data centre energy system under a fixed battery energy storage system (BESS) configuration, using Riyadh as a representative case study. A modelling-based approach is employed to assess how variations in PV capacity influence grid dependency reduction, energy utilisation, and economic performance under constant load conditions. The results demonstrate that increasing PV capacity significantly reduces grid dependency, but diminishing returns occur at higher capacities due to curtailment and storage limitations. A PV capacity of 18 megawatt-peak (MWp) is identified as the economic optimum for PV-only operation, where most generated energy is directly utilised. At approximately 22 MWp, a techno-economic transition point is reached, enabling effective battery utilisation. A capacity of 25 MWp represents the technical optimum for an integrated PV–BESS system, balancing improved energy utilisation with manageable curtailment. However, higher PV capacities (above ~27 MWp) introduce increasing curtailment due to storage limitations. Overall, PV–BESS integration is shown to substantially improve system performance compared to both grid-only and PV-only configurations, although grid dependency cannot be fully eliminated due to the persistent mismatch between variable generation and continuous demand. The findings highlight the importance of optimised system design and provide practical insights for integrating renewable energy into high-demand applications such as data centres.19 0Item Restricted Parametric, Geometrical, and Nature-Inspired Design Analysis of Solar Air Heaters with Rotatable Turbulators and Their Heat Transfer and Performance Enhancement Coefficient Correlations(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Albeshri, Badr; SA, SherifThis dissertation presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of turbulent forced convection heat transfer in solar air heaters (SAHs) equipped with rotatable turbulators, focusing on three major themes: parametric analysis, geometrical optimization, and nature-inspired design. The research investigates to enhance the thermal performance of SAHs by systematically examining the effects of turbulator angle, solar irradiance, Reynolds number, and geometrical parameters such as turbulator height, spacing, and width. A series of models were developed to predict key performance indicators, including the average absorber temperature, air temperature distribution, velocity field, pressure drop, average and local Nusselt number, and Performance Enhancement Coefficient (PEC). The first part of the study explores the combined effects of turbulator angles and operating conditions, establishing new correlations for the average Nusselt number, pressure drop, and PEC. Results indicate that increasing the turbulator angle and Reynolds number significantly improves convection heat transfer, with the PEC rising above unity at high flow rates due to enhanced turbulence and flow mixing. The second part investigates the influence of geometric configurations across multiple turbulator orientations, demonstrating that specific designs yield superior heat transfer uniformity and reduced pressure drop. Among the examined configurations, those promoting stronger flow disturbance exhibit the highest thermal efficiency. The final part introduces a novel nature-inspired design approach in which rotatable turbulators are equipped according to leaf-vein flow architectures. The biomimetic configuration enhances flow distribution, minimizes temperature gradients, and increases the overall Nusselt number compared to conventional layouts. The analysis confirms that the integration of natural flow principles into engineered absorber geometries leads to higher performance coefficients and improved thermal uniformity. Overall, the outcomes of this research provide new insight into the thermohydraulic behavior of SAHs under varying design and operating parameters. The developed correlations and findings serve as practical tools for optimizing solar air heater designs, contributing to the advancement of efficient, sustainable, and nature-inspired solar thermal systems.19 0Item Restricted Strategic Analysis of a Low-Carbon and Cost-Effective Power System in Saudi Arabia by 2030(University of Cambridge, 2025) Albanmi, Faisal; Smail, FionaSaudi Arabia is undergoing transformative changes in its power sector as part of its broader Vision 2030 agenda, presenting a unique opportunity to reshape its energy landscape. With a national target of achieving 50% electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, the Kingdom is not only rethinking its energy mix but also actively investing in innovations that support decarbonization and long-term cost-effectiveness. These shifts open up strategic opportunities to design a modern power system that aligns with both national ambitions and global climate responsibilities. This dissertation presents a comprehensive strategic analysis of Saudi Arabia’s pathway to a low-carbon and economically viable power grid by 2030. It begins with an in-depth review of the Kingdom’s power sector development, historical emissions, and policy targets under Vision 2030. The study then explores the country’s renewable energy potential, focusing on solar and wind resources, while also assessing the role of emerging low-carbon technologies, such as hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), and large-scale energy storage systems. To evaluate system performance and identify the most viable future grid configurations, the project employs PyPSA (Python for Power System Analysis), an open-source modelling framework, to simulate generation scenarios, optimize the energy mix, and analyse trade-offs between cost and emissions. Through this modelling effort, the study estimates the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) across technologies and assesses the overall system’s carbon impact, offering insights into the most strategic and practical pathways forward. Ultimately, this work aims to provide actionable guidance for policymakers and stakeholders on how to structure Saudi Arabia’s future power system in a way that balances energy security, affordability, and sustainability.35 0Item Restricted Assessing the Societal Impact of Using Green Energy Technologies in Smart City Projects of KSA(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alotaibi, Yazeed; Volpe, RobertoThe project focuses on the societal impact of Green Energy Technologies (GETs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The data has been collected through a Questionnaire Survey to address the research objectives. The project used descriptive analysis to present quantitative findings using SPSS. The data analysis based on 60 samples found that the people of KSA are in favour of using GETs in order to save the environment, raise living standards and development of the country. A total of 88% respondents agreed that GETs can improve productivity, economic growth and social health in the country. The study has also proven that GETs are crucial for society's well-being, as about 86% study population agreed. Moreover, the project outcome is in favour of using GETs in the country. On the other hand, there are still a few people who think that GETs can have some negative impacts on society, which could be a potential hurdle in the way of using GETs. The study recommends that the government and relevant stakeholders should provide more guidance and awareness to society on GETs.76 0Item Restricted ADVANCED OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES AND HYBRID MICROGRID DESIGN FOR SOLAR ENERGY INTEGRATION AND MPPT ENHANCEMENT USING MODIFIED FIREFLY ALGORITHM(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Abusaq, Mana; Zohdy, MohamedPresent-day, microgrid systems, particularly systems engaging photovoltaic (PV) technologies, are gaining increasing attention as they offer promising solutions for a resilient and sustainable power demand worldwide. Saudi Arabia, with its enormous solar resources, is great positioned to embrace renewable energy alternatives. However, the southern region, particularly Najran Provenience, remains unutilized despite its significant solar potential. This thesis comprehensively investigates the design and sizing of microgrids of this area following enhancing system reliability and optimizing performance using the professional capabilities for the scientific research. The first study examines a grid-connected hybrid microgrid for the Najran Secondary Industrial Institute (NSII) utilizing the Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software. The system integrates PV, battery storage system (BSS), diesel generator (DG) and grid. In this study, the system’s reliability was assessed using the Loss of Power Supply Probability (LPSP). The LPSP was maintained at zero, indicating no unmet load for all scenarios. The design of the grid-connected balances the technological, economic and environmental considerations, insuring the system’s resilience and cost-effectiveness. The second study shifts the focus to an off-grid system. The off-grid solar-powered microgrid interduces a novel approach for sizing the microgrid using a Modified Firefly Algorithm (MFA). This modified algorithm enhances the convergence speed and solution quality which is a significant improvement over the traditional firefly algorithm (FA). The system’s reliability was evaluated under two scenarios, with LPSP values of 0.01 and 0.1. This innovative MFA demonstrated superior performance in optimizing the sizing of the system’s components, particularly in scenarios where reliability is critical. The third study focuses on the impact of partial shading conditions (PSC) on photovoltaic systems and the effectiveness of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of four MPPT techniques: Perturb and Observe (P&O), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), FA, and MFA. The results demonstrate that MFA consistently outperforms the other algorithms in tracking the maximum power point (MPP) under PSCs. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of varying load resistance on the efficiency of MPPT tracking, revealing that MFA exhibits higher adaptability and stability across different conditions. The research findings highlight the importance of employing advanced MPPT techniques to enhance PV system efficiency under challenging environmental conditions. Together, these studies enrich the deployment of renewable energy systems in Saudi Arabia’s southern regions by highlighting the potential of the advance and novel techniques in designing the methodologies of these microgrid. This research, by addressing both grid-connected and off- grid, contributes to the Saudi Arabia’s immense efforts to diversify its energy sources under Vision 2030.29 0Item Restricted HAZID Analysis of Hydrogen Production Via Solid-State Electrolysis(The University of Sheffield, 2024-08) Altarif, Saleh; Cordiner, JoanCarbon-neutral energy sources are required for efficient energy production in the future, which has prompted research on new methods for generating Hydrogen or clean hydrogen production technology, such as solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). Nevertheless, the high-temperature operation of SOECs and hydrogen handling aspects pose severe safety and environmental concerns. This study thus performs a thorough Hazard Identification (HAZID) on hydrogen production using SOECs with the objective of overcoming these challenges to allow for safe use and integration of the technology. This paper covers measures necessary to determine risks associated with SOEC systems, such as high heat, electrical appliances, chemicals, and pressure. The study concludes that the current approaches used in HAZID do not adequately incorporate some of the potential dangers with SOEC operation; therefore, improvements are needed in assessing SOE chamber material degradation at high temperatures as well as the integration of SOECs with other forms of renewable energy sources that are intermittent. To improve risk evaluation and management, the study suggests the implementation of innovative technologies, including CFD, ML, and real-time monitoring. The study highlights the dire call for enhanced safety measures, measurement, and control, as well as constant technology innovation to attain safe implementation of SOEC technology for the steady production of Hydrogen.58 0Item Restricted Between Obstacles and Opportunities: A Legal Analysis of the United Kingdom’s Commitment to Renewable Energy and Net Zero Emissions(Brunel University, 2024-06-14) Aliady, Abdulaziz; Paskalev, VescoThis thesis studies the development and evolution of the legal framework governing renewable energy and net zero in the UK, particularly examining the statutes, statutory instruments, legal orders, and case law through the doctrinal method. The larger goals of the thesis are to analyze the evolution and development and decipher the challenges and opportunities that arise from the legal framework vis-à-vis renewable energy and net zero. The study argues that the United Kingdom has a strong legal framework in relation to climate change, net zero, and renewable energy; nevertheless, in order for it to function as efficiently as it can, opportunities must be increased, and obstacles must be reduced. This strong legal framework, albeit with some deficiencies, is a product of a long history of evolution and development, often involving various trials and errors.10 0Item Restricted Sustainable desalination strategies: Techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, and optimization of renewable energy-powered plants in Saudi Arabia(Iowa State University, 2024-06-20) Al Marry, Nassar Hamad; Wright, Mark MbaAddressing global water scarcity amidst escalating energy demands and climate change challenges requires innovative approaches in seawater desalination, particularly in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. This journal article style dissertation comprises a comprehensive exploration of sustainable desalination strategies, focusing on techno-economic analysis, life-cycle assessment, and optimization of renewable energy-powered desalination plants. In this dissertation, Chapter 2 provides a thorough review of recent advancements in desalination technologies, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions. It highlights the significance of data-driven insights and compares various renewable energy sources for desalination, laying the groundwork for subsequent studies. Chapters 3 and 4 present comparative techno-economic and life-cycle assessments of stand-alone reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants powered by integrated solar Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and geothermal energy through Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The analyses reveal the superior economic and environmental performance of the integrated CSP-geothermal scenario, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable solution for water scarcity challenges in Saudi Arabia. In Chapter 5, a mathematical optimization approach is employed to minimize the Levelized Cost of Water (LCOW) for the proposed desalination plant. By integrating CSP and geothermal energy, an optimal LCOW value of 0.582 $/m3 is achieved, underscoring the economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy-driven desalination in Saudi Arabia. Collectively, these studies contribute valuable insights into the optimization of renewable energy-powered desalination plants, offering a pathway towards sustainable water management in arid regions.73 0Item Restricted Planning Saudi Arabia’s Energy Transition for 2060 with PyPSA(University of Edinburgh, 2022-08) Algarei, Anas; Parzen, MaximilianPlans for energy transition are more critical than ever as the impacts of climate change intensify. Saudi Arabia is making significant efforts to reduce its emissions in contribution to the global efforts to tackle climate change through its projects Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), where net zero target has been set for 2060. The work in this dissertation is the first attempt to forecast Saudi Arabia's net zero energy system in the year 2060. The PyPSA-Africa package, which is a derivative of PyPSA, was used to construct a variety of models for the energy system. The models built in this study consist of a base model for validation, a model for 2030 as a comparison to the Vision and a transitional period, and two models for 2060 net zero, one of which is fully renewable energy while the other incorporates direct air capture (DAC) technology. Based on the generation mix, storage capacity, network expansion, hourly dispatch, curtailment, and costs, the models were assessed, and recommendations for the energy system in 2060 were provided. A spatial resolution of 30 clusters with an hourly timestep were considered. Weather data were obtained for the full year of 2013. The findings indicate that the 2030 model has a high penetration of wind energy, mostly to satisfy nighttime demand, whereas solar energy represents around a quarter of the generation mix. In contrast, battery storage is more cost effective for meeting 2060’s nighttime demand, allowing solar energy to be the predominant type of generation. The implementation of DAC technology can reduce the necessary total generation capacity by about a quarter, making it more economically beneficial than the fully renewable option, with an estimated average marginal price of 0.185 SAR/kWh. Hydrogen storage did not appear to be feasible for these models. However, A significant curtailment was noticed, which may be an opportunity for exporting electricity or producing hydrogen. The recommendations in this thesis can aid in developing policies for the country’s net zero target.110 0Item Restricted Sustainable Waste Management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An Investigation of Opportunities and Practical Challenges(University of Reading, 2023-08-31) Alanazi,Abdulnasser; Peters, MichaelCurrently, Saudi Arabia is pursuing its 100% renewable energy and sustainability goal while still in a transitional phase as the country continues with traditional ways of obtaining energy and relying heavily on fossil fuels. One of these goals to achieve the vision is sustainable waste management, where the main purpose of this thesis lies in studying the scientific opportunities and challenges associated with implementing sustainable waste management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and drawing lessons from best practices in other countries. The role of resources and waste management in enabling communities to become more sustainable was explored and discussed through a literature review. In addition to studying the concept of sustainable waste management, addressing the waste hierarchy, and discussing the optimal solutions for the various available techniques that help in sustainability instead of the landfill currently used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A historical overview was also provided by reviewing the literature on waste management policy and practices in Saudi Arabia, evaluating the current policy, and addressing future plans that in turn aim at the Saudi Green Initiative (which is an initiative that follows Vision 2030 by making it more sustainable in the future). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with people with high experience in the field of waste management in Saudi Arabia, and the argument was made about the strengths and weaknesses and the role of the Saudi government in achieving sustainable waste management with the most appropriate techniques. Moreover, extracting case studies in different locations from international cases and evaluating the applicability of its practices and policies in Saudi Arabia. In conclusion, the recommendations are that this study may contribute to bridging the gap by changing the current plans and practices in converting from landfilling to the best techniques that can be used such as anaerobic digestion, recycling, and waste-to-energy conversion. Therefore, we find that Saudi Arabia has all the potential to become sustainable in managing its waste by filling the gaps and moving towards a sustainable future.119 0