The Assessment and Potential Sustainability Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Projects in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Saudi Arabia has established VISION 2030 in 2016 in which the country will diversify the income sources and initiate a massive transformation in many aspects locally and internationally. Among these alterations is the Energy Transition where the state will exploit its vast potential of Renewable Energy (RE) resources and reduce the significant dependency on subsided oil and gas as the primary source of producing power and electricity. In addition to the substantial contribution of Saudi Arabia in the global commitment of reducing (CO2, NOx, Sox) emissions along with balancing the domestic and international economy. Therefore, this study is investigating and assessing this progression and development regarding Renewable Energy sources and projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study consist of a literature review about global renewable energy cost and statistics in the last decade and the economic perspective of this matter. Historical background and overlook of renewable energy resources and projects in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of the energy transition of Saudi Arabia's current and future renewable projects. A Quantitative evaluation of the first renewable operational project in the Kingdom. An assessment of the potential Solar and Wind energy. Insights on the Meteorological Conditions of Saudi Arabia. An exploration of the most effective source of renewable energy in the country. A general overview of the Nuclear Energy Program of Saudi Arabia accompanied by an outlook of the Net Metering, Tariffs, and Regulation in Saudi Arabia. Finally, a Case Study of the prospect and the ability to operate AL- JOWF region fire stations using electricity generated from the new wind energy project of Dumat Al-Jandal in the northern region of Saudi Arabia.