Saudi Arabia launches world’s largest renewable energy survey
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Over 850,000 square kilometres of Kingdom to be mapped by Geographic Survey Project for Renewable Energy with 1,200 stations measuring solar and wind energy.
A new initiative under the Kingdom’s National Renewable Energy Programme, the Geographic Survey Project for Renewable Energy was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince AbdulAziz bin Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy, according to a Saudi Press Agency-issued announcement.
Over 850,000 square kilometres (excluding populated regions, sand dunes, and airspace restrictions) are expected to be surveyed to identify the most suitable locations for renewable energy development based on resource availability and strategic priorities. In an official statement, the minister noted that the project is ‘globally unprecedented in terms of geographical coverage’.
Contracts have already been awarded to various Saudi companies to install 1,200 stations across the Kingdom, to measure solar and wind energy. Solar energy measurement stations will be equipped with advanced measurement devices at ground level. Recorded data will include Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI), Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI), dust and pollutant levels, ground-reflected radiation (albedo), ambient temperature, rainfall, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.
At the same time, wind energy measurement stations will be installed at different heights, of up to 120 metres, to record wind speed and direction, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity.
A platform will be established at the Ministry of Energy for around-the-clock monitoring, recording, and transmission of measurement data, enabling digital analysis and processing, using artificial intelligence technologies. This will support assessment and ranking of the different sites based on their suitability for renewable energy projects. The project is expected to eliminate the current waiting period of 18 to 24 months to obtain data.
The ambitious project will also play a key role in helping support optimal energy mix targets for electricity production with around 50 per cent of the Kingdom’s energy mix expected to comprise renewable energy sources by 2030.
The project will also contribute towards achieving Liquid Fuel Displacement Programme goals by reducing dependence on liquid fuel in electricity generation. The programme aims to displace up to one million barrels of liquid fuels across the agriculture, industry and utilities sectors by 2030.
His Royal Highness further noted that, starting in 2024, Saudi Arabia will tender new renewable energy projects with annual capacity of 20 gigawatts, aiming to reach between 100 and 130 gigawatts by 2030, depending on growth in electricity demand. In addition, availability of live data will significantly reduce risks related to renewable energy project implementation, increase project investment attractiveness, and encourage investors participation.
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