POWERING PROGRESS: HOW SAUDI ARABIA’S RENEWABLE ENERGY DRIVE
CAN ALLEVIATE GLOBAL POVERTY
Picture Source: (https://www.arabnews.com/node/1739531/eradicating-energy-poverty-saudiflagship-project)
In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, a colossal web of energy stretches across cities, towns,
and villages, igniting the very essence of life in Saudi Arabia. This intricate network
comprises 8,750 miles of transmission lines, a staggering 52,000 miles of distribution lines,
and over 53,000 miles of service connections. These are not just numbers; they're the lifelines
of millions, carrying the promise of electricity to every corner of the Kingdom.
(https://www.saudiembassy.net/energy)
As the nation grapples with its arid climate and limited freshwater resources, desalination
plants emerge as not just sources of clean water but also as generators of power. They harness
the transformative potential of steam, a byproduct of the desalination process, and turn it into
electricity. Today, these ingenious plants contribute a staggering 2,800 MW to the Kingdom's
electricity grid, a testament to the Saudi commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
(https://www.saudiembassy.net/energy)
In an era where the global pursuit of energy is relentless, the shadow of energy poverty looms
large. It's a modern-day paradox that while countless individuals around the world enjoy the
convenience of readily accessible energy, there exists a segment of society trapped in the
grips of energy poverty. The implications of this disparity are profound, affecting not just
economies but also the very essence of ethical philosophy.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301421523003439)
The energy poverty gap, a term resonating across social and energy economies, has become a
stark reminder of the disparities that persist. It's a stark reminder that amidst the technological
advancements and global interconnectedness, a significant portion of the global population
still struggles for the basic necessity of energy.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301421523003439)
One of the foremost contributors to energy poverty is the geographical lottery. While some
nations sit atop vast reservoirs of energy wealth, others find themselves grappling with the
harsh reality of inaccessible underground resources. The cost of extraction may soar higher
than import costs, rendering indigenous resources is economically impractical. In these
geographical disparities, energy poverty takes root, creating chasms of inequality that are
hard to bridge.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301421523003439)
However, it's not just geography that fans the flames of energy poverty. Low-income per
capita stands as a formidable barrier, restricting access to modern energy sources for
countless individuals. The high cost of energy, be it gas or electricity, is a harsh reality for
many low-income households, often forcing them to make agonizing choices between basic
necessities and keeping the lights on. This represents income-based energy poverty, a stark
reminder of the economic inequalities that persist globally.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301421523003439)
Key Players in the Saudi Arabia Power Sector:
1. Ministry of Energy (MOE):
At the very heart of Saudi Arabia's energy strategy is the Ministry of Energy (MOE). This
pivotal institution oversees the allocation of the nation's precious energy resources, shaping
the country's energy policies and direction. It’s responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum,
from electricity affairs to renewable energy development, regulation of petroleum and gas
and sustainability initiatives.
(https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/saudi-arabia-power)
2. National Renewable Energy Program (NREP):
Anchored firmly within Vision 2030 and the King Salman Renewable Energy Initiative, the
NREP is on a mission to unlock and maximize the power of renewable energy in the
Kingdom. It's not just about reducing carbon emissions; it's about harnessing the sun, the
wind, and other clean energy sources to power a more sustainable future for the nation.
(https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/saudi-arabia-power)
3. King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy
(KACARE):
It's a visionary organization with a mandate to develop a robust alternative energy capacity,
backed by top-notch local industries. Beyond renewable energy, KACARE is a driving force
behind the ambitious Saudi National Atomic Energy Project, an Endeavor that underscores
the Kingdom's forward-looking approach to energy diversification.
(https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/saudi-arabia-power)
4. Saudi Electricity Company (SEC):
The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) takes the lead in the generation, transmission, and
distribution of electric power across Saudi Arabia. It operates through a network of 45 power
generation plants, ensuring that the Kingdom remains electrified, connected, and powered for
growth.
(https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/saudi-arabia-power)
JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
The winds of change are sweeping across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and they carry with
them the promise of economic transformation on a grand scale. In a visionary move, Saudi
Arabia is embarking on a journey towards renewable energy that is not only environmentally
responsible but also economically empowering.
(https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/saudi-arabia-s-renewables-sector-couldgenerate-up-to-750-000-jobs-by-2030-report-says-1.1066416)
A recent study reveals a staggering revelation – the development of Saudi Arabia's renewable
energy sector has the potential to create a colossal 750,000 jobs in the coming decade. As
Saudi Arabia sets its sights on generating 7 per cent of its total electricity output from
renewables by 2030, the ripple effects are profound. The transition to cleaner energy sources
isn't merely about reducing carbon emissions; it's a dynamic catalyst for job creation.
(https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/saudi-arabia-s-renewables-sector-couldgenerate-up-to-750-000-jobs-by-2030-report-says-1.1066416)
CONCLUSION:
In an era where global solidarity and collective action are paramount, Saudi Arabia emerges
as a beacon of hope and leadership. With its bold initiatives in the renewable energy sector,
the Kingdom is not just transforming its own landscape; it's extending a hand to empower
economies in developing nations and championing the cause of poverty eradication on a
global scale.
(https://www.arabnews.com/node/1739531/eradicating-energy-poverty-saudi-flagshipproject)
The COVID-19 pandemic cast a long shadow of uncertainty and suffering across the globe. It
exposed the vulnerabilities of societies and highlighted the urgent need for collective action
to alleviate human suffering. In this challenging landscape, Saudi Arabia's proactive
initiatives to bring reliable, clean, and affordable power to those most affected by the
pandemic represent a powerful force for good.
(https://www.arabnews.com/node/1739531/eradicating-energy-poverty-saudi-flagshipproject)
These initiatives are a rallying call to the international community. Saudi Arabia's
commitment to reducing poverty through accessible energy is a powerful symbol of
solidarity, a testament to the belief that a brighter future is not a privilege but a right for all.
(https://www.arabnews.com/node/1739531/eradicating-energy-poverty-saudi-flagshipproject)
ARTICLE BY: MUHAMMAD UMAIR NAEEM