Saudi Arabia has started a ground-breaking Geographic Survey Project for Renewable Energy sites throughout the Kingdom, a major step towards strengthening its renewable energy sector. With the installation of 1,200 measurement stations, the project, which was introduced in front of His Royal Highness, Prince AbdulAziz bin Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy, intends to determine the best sites for solar and wind energy projects.
The project’s global significance was emphasized by HRH Prince AbdulAziz bin Salman, who pointed out that, excluding populated areas and specific environmental restrictions, its total area exceeds 850,000 square kilometers, which is equivalent to the combined land areas of major European nations. Saudi Arabia is committed to increasing its capacity for renewable energy, as evidenced by this comprehensive survey, which is unprecedented in its global scope.
Surveying various parts of the Kingdom in order to identify potential locations for renewable energy projects based on resource abundance and development priority is the first phase of the project. Next, sophisticated measurement stations will be installed at specific locations to collect vital information about solar irradiance, wind speed, atmospheric conditions, and environmental elements.
HRH Prince AbdulAziz bin Salman said, “These measurement stations will use cutting-edge technology to ensure data accuracy and reliability.” The Ministry of Energy will utilize a specialized platform to continuously monitor and analyze the collected data. Artificial intelligence will be utilized to expedite the process of determining the suitability of the site and ease project planning.
Additionally, the project intends to accelerate the development of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy projects by giving local and foreign investors access to finance-ready data. By eliminating the customary 18 to 24 month waiting period for data acquisition, this initiative is expected to lower project implementation risks and increase investment attractiveness.
The ambitious project, which aims to make up roughly 50% of the Kingdom’s energy mix by 2030, is in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, as stressed by HRH Prince AbdulAziz bin Salman. In an effort to lessen the reliance on liquid fuels for the production of electricity, the initiative also supports the Liquid Fuel Displacement Program.
Saudi Arabia intends to begin putting out new renewable energy project tenders this year, with the goal of achieving a capacity of 20 gigawatts by 2030. Depending on the growth in electricity demand, this capacity could be increased to 100 or 130 gigawatts.
HRH Prince AbdulAziz bin Salman concluded by thanking King Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud for their unwavering support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and the growth of the country’s energy sector.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global environmental stewardship is demonstrated by the Geographic Survey Project for Renewable Energy sites, which represent a significant turning point in the country’s progress towards sustainable energy leadership.
