Renewables and Saudi Arabia

Trends and Analyses Working for the Future

Why is there a need for renewable energy and resource development?Strong International Support - developed nations exhibit diversity in power generation.

Fresh water and power shortages severe threat in summer months.

Saudi Arabia’s climate and location are prime for efficient production.

Petroleum won’t last forever - economy relies on energy exportation.

Where does Saudi Arabia Stand?

INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON

Production/Consumption TrendsDomestic electricity demand has and is expected to continue increasing by 5-10% every year.

Current Energy grid supplies 80% of domestic need but is uneconomical to expand further. This Leaves a large amount of rural areas in need of isolated local power supply.

Domestic water use for all gulf countries increased from 2.8billion m3 to 5.1billion m3 from 1990-2000 and is expected to rise above 8.5 billion m3 by 2025.ARABNEWS.COM 2010, http://arabnews.com/middleeast/article131005.ece

KING FAHD UNIVERSITY RENEWABLES REPORT 2002, http://webfea.fea.aub.edu.lb/fea/research/erg/RCW/Renewable%20Energy%20Potentials%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia.pdf

What steps have been taken?Detailed studies and reports have been published through King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and King Abdullah University for science and technology.

Three stage plan for solar and wind implementation in rural areas and coastline is currently underway.

King Abdullah City for Nuclear and Renewable Energy announced in Riyadh. Will support nuclear reactors for desalination expansion.

ARAB NEWS 2010, http://archive.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=132696&d=10&m=2&y=2010

US-SAUDI BUSINESS COUNCIL 2010, http://www.us-sabc.org/custom/news/details.cfm?id=640

Nuclear ProgressionThe nation has long expressed interest in nuclear reactor development but has never made political progress until recently. The government has recognized that oil production will not be able to keep up with electricity demand if current population trends continue.

Saudi Arabia must first reach agreements with the US or other donor nation to build a platform. Due to conflict of interest with Iran, Israel and Pakistan such agreements with the US are unlikely any time soon.

By default Saudi Arabia will not be able to move forward until it resolves inspection issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency. If passed, France, Japan, or Korea would likely be contracted for program development.CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT FOR INT’L PEACE 2010,

http://carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=41243

Solar ProgressionKing Fahd University 2002 report found that wind and solar are the most cost-effective options for Oman currently.

Photovoltaic solar cells are being implemented in Jiddah to power a desalination plant and for schools in villages north of Riyadh.

Dust Effects have been noted to reduce solar effectiveness by 10-20% in certain regions.

KING FAHD UNIVERSITY RENEWABLES REPORT 2002, http://webfea.fea.aub.edu.lb/fea/research/erg/RCW/Renewable%20Energy%20Potentials%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia.pdf

Wind/Solar Progression

• Wind power technology is already comparable to current natural gas sources both in cost and in production.

• Highest potential effectiveness in coastal regions near Arabian Gulf and Red Sea.

KING FAHD UNIVERSITY RENEWABLES REPORT 2002, http://webfea.fea.aub.edu.lb/fea/research/erg/RCW/Renewable%20Energy%20Potentials%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia.pdf

• Tests at Rafha facility showed promising results, though elevation plays a key factor in harvestability. Turbines placed at higher coastal elevation saw roughly 12% more energy harvested.

WIND POWER ASSESSMENT FOR RAFHA 2005, http://eprints.kfupm.edu.sa/522/1/wind_power.pdf

ConclusionsRenewable energy goals must be met to maintain international standing and to support population growth.

Saudi Arabia has the capital to fund renewable energy projects, needs technological development.

Current desalination production already cannot keep up with consumption, new technology or larger scale projects are needed to abate population growth.

Conclusions (cont.)Traditional oil processes are monetarily cheaper at present, but this does not factor in environmental health and steadily increasing prices of fossil fuels.

Solar and wind potential is highest in Summer months, coinciding with highest demand.

Nuclear programs are stalled indefinitely until the government can reorganize current resources and resolve peace agreements with both neighboring countries and the US.

CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT FOR INT’L PEACE 2010, http://carnegieendowment.org/publications/index.cfm?fa=view&id=41243

Presentation Prepared By:

• Brian Glenn

Research Assistant

Energy Commercialization, LLC

(925) 596-0417

Bmglenn40@gmail.com