Introduction:

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has focused on transforming its energy and electricity sources. The Kingdom is making concerted efforts to diversify its energy mix and integrate clean and renewable energy as a key component of its operational processes. In fact, this shift has moved beyond mere planning and study to active implementation, driven by two main factors, as a crucial part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals and strategies.

Clean Energy in Saudi Arabia

The primary driver behind Saudi Arabia’s shift to clean energy is environmental. It is no secret that carbon emissions from burning traditional energy sources—such as oil, gasoline, and fossil fuels—pose a significant threat. This has led countries worldwide to prioritize producing clean and renewable energy while reducing their reliance on oil and its derivatives. In fact, since the 1970s, Saudi Arabia has warned the world about the urgent need to diversify energy sources to protect the environment.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced that the Kingdom’s energy strategy aims for "net-zero emissions by 2060, with a strong commitment to preserving nature, safeguarding human well-being, and addressing climate change challenges".

As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has set ambitious targets, including reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually by 2030, planting 10 billion trees, and protecting 30% of the Kingdom’s land and marine areas by the same year. These efforts are supported by 77 initiatives, representing an investment exceeding $186 billion, according to the official Vision 2030 website.

The second key factor driving Saudi Arabia’s transition to renewable energy is investment-related. The Kingdom aims to transform its economy from one that is heavily dependent on oil into a diverse, innovative, and globally competitive economy. Despite being one of the world’s richest oil-producing nations, Saudi Arabia is determined to lead in renewable energy as well.

As part of its Vision 2030 sustainable development goals, Saudi Arabia has committed to increasing renewable energy production to 50% by 2030, with a strong focus on solar and wind power. The Kingdom’s geographical and climatic advantages make it an ideal location for harnessing these energy sources efficiently.

To accelerate this transition, the Saudi government is actively incentivizing private sector investments in renewable energy. The Kingdom has achieved some of the lowest renewable energy prices in the world, securing record-breaking competitive rates for solar and wind energy production. This strategy not only enhances resource efficiency but also meets the growing demand for clean energy while reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional and global leader in the energy sector.

As mentioned, solar and wind power are the primary sources of renewable energy in the Kingdom—a natural choice given Saudi Arabia’s climate.

So, how has the Kingdom leveraged these resources? And what projects have been launched to generate renewable energy?

Solar Energy as a Source of Electricity in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia enjoys exceptional levels of solar radiation and sunlight exposure. The country experiences an average of 8.5 hours of sunlight per day, with solar radiation levels ranging between 6.7 and 9.77 kilowatt-hours per square meter daily, according to Reuters. This makes solar energy a valuable resource for electricity generation using various technologies, including photovoltaic cells, thermal power plants, and concentrated solar power systems.

To harness this potential, numerous solar power projects have been launched across different regions in collaboration with the private sector and international institutions.

Some of these projects include:

• Shuaiba Photovoltaic Solar Power Plant – the largest photovoltaic solar power project in the world, consisting of two stations with a total production capacity of 2,660 megawatts.
• Sudair Solar Power Plant – also one of the world’s largest photovoltaic solar projects, with a production capacity of 1,500 megawatts.
• Al-Faisaliah Power Plant – with a production capacity of 2,600 megawatts.
• Rabigh Solar Project – with a production capacity of 400 megawatts.
• Sakaka Solar Project – inaugurated in November 2019 as Saudi Arabia’s first photovoltaic solar power project, with a production capacity of 300 megawatts.
• Rabigh Power Plant – with a production capacity of 400 megawatts.
• Jeddah Solar Power Plant – with a production capacity of 300 megawatts.
• Al-Qurayyat Solar Power Plant – with a production capacity of 200 megawatts.
• Madinah Solar Power Plant – with a production capacity of 50 megawatts.
• Rafha Solar Power Plant – with a production capacity of 20 megawatts.
• Al-Hanakiyah Solar Power Plant – with a production capacity of 1,100 megawatts, is expected to become one of the largest solar energy facilities in the world.

Wind Energy as a Source of Electricity in Saudi Arabia

The northern and western regions of Saudi Arabia are ideal locations for wind energy production due to their consistently high wind speeds throughout the year. The average wind speed in the Kingdom ranges between six and eight meters per second. To capitalize on this natural advantage, several projects have been launched to increase the share of wind energy in the country’s energy mix. These projects include:

• Dumat Al-Jandal Wind Power Project – with a total capacity of 400 megawatts.
• Yanbu Wind Power Project – with a total capacity of 700 megawatts.
• Al-Ghat Wind Power Project – with a total capacity of 600 megawatts.
• Waad Al-Shamal Wind Power Project – with a total capacity of 500 megawatts.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitions extend beyond solar and wind energy. The Kingdom has announced plans to produce clean and renewable energy from additional sources, such as water and hydrogen, to achieve its vision goals and create a balanced energy mix. The National Renewable Energy Program is a long-term, multifaceted initiative that not only aims to diversify the country’s electricity sources but also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s voluntary commitments to reducing carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions.

As part of the "Saudi Green Initiative," the Kingdom aspires to become the world's largest producer and exporter of hydrogen by establishing the largest green hydrogen project in the world in the city of NEOM. Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, stated: "We will enrich uranium and sell clean nuclear energy just as we sell oil and gas."

In some fields, making bold claims is easier than achieving real-world results. Plans often remain separate from actual implementation.

This raises an important question: Have any of these plans been fully executed? Has any city or project in Saudi Arabia become entirely reliant on clean energy? Or are these ambitious goals still awaiting realization?

Projects Running on Clean Energy in Saudi Arabia

1- Red Sea Project Powered by Renewable Energy

The Red Sea Project, one of Vision 2030’s key initiatives, operates entirely on clean energy. All facilities, including drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, and district cooling systems serving around 16 hotels, as well as the international airport and infrastructure, are powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The project features a massive battery storage facility with a capacity of up to 1,200 megawatts, enabling the Red Sea destination to be completely independent of the national electricity grid and fully reliant on renewable energy.

2- NEOM City

The NEOM project aims to transform the desert into a futuristic and innovative city in northwest Saudi Arabia, operating entirely on renewable energy. Designed as a model for sustainable living, work, and prosperity, NEOM ensures human progress without compromising the planet’s health. The city includes projects such as The Line, Oxagon, and Trojena, all of which are already operating entirely on renewable energy.

Beyond fully renewable cities, some Saudi cities, such as Riyadh and Jeddah, have implemented smart energy management systems. These cities utilize smart grids and solar power to operate public facilities and residential buildings, contributing to reduced waste and lower environmental pollution emissions.