Saudi Arabia looks towards a future without oil

Saudi Arabia, known for its vast oil reserves, is making a significant shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. In a bid to stay ahead in the rapidly changing energy industry, the kingdom is investing in massive solar projects like Sudair, located just a two-hour drive from Riyadh.

Sudair, with its 3.3 million solar panels covering 14 square miles of desert, is the first of many projects aimed at increasing the country’s renewable energy output to around 50% by 2030. While this goal is ambitious, analysts believe even reaching 30% would be a significant achievement.

Saudi Aramco, the country’s leading oil producer, has also taken a stake in Sudair and plans to build a 40-gigawatt solar portfolio to meet the government’s renewable energy targets. Additionally, the company is exploring technologies like storing greenhouse gases underground and producing e-fuels for automobiles from carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Despite the kingdom’s reliance on oil, Aramco executives emphasize the importance of diversifying their energy sources to meet growing demand. They believe that both renewables and traditional fuels will play a crucial role in the future energy landscape.

While Saudi Arabia faces challenges in accelerating its transition to renewable energy, initiatives like Sudair are already creating jobs and reducing carbon emissions. With abundant sunlight and a focus on low-cost energy production, the kingdom is positioning itself as a key player in the global shift towards cleaner energy sources.