Wind Energy in Saudi Arabia Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Wind energy has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing energy sources in world and as a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing dependence on oil, diversifying energy supply, and providing electricity at a low cost. In its 2030 Vision, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has recently set ambitious targets to move away from oil dependency and redirect the efforts towards more higher-value exploitation of oil and gas, mainly meeting 10 percent of its energy demand through renewable energy sources. This paper attempts to explore the feasibility of using wind turbine machines for energy generation in Saudi Arabia by presenting a study of the opportunities and challenges that can arise while installing these machines. The paper also highlights several technical challenges and gaps that have been anticipated for this design motivation. Observations and upcoming trends show that by 2030 renewable energy, including solar and wind, will provide up to 50% of electricity production in the Kingdom.