DHAHRAN: The vast potential for solar energy in the Kingdom was the subject of the Saudi Solar Energy Forum held recently at the Saudi Aramco Conference Center Plaza. The forum, organized by Saudi Aramco, brought together more than 300 participants representing more than 140 organizations from government, industry and academia from the Kingdom and abroad. They shared experiences, strategies, current obstacles, recent progress and plans for the development of a solar energy industry in Saudi Arabia. Global players offered lessons learned and best practices in the areas of technology, market development and policy incentives. In a keynote address, Dr. Khaled Al-Sulaiman, Vice President for Renewable Energy Affairs at the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE), thanked Saudi Aramco for hosting the event. Dr. Al-Sulaiman said Saudi involvement in renewable energy will not only serve domestic interests but also have global impact. He emphasized the importance of a “viable energy mix” and a “sustainable solar value chain,” encompassing local manufacturing of solar components and energy generation. He highlighted some aspects of the “road ahead” for developing a “viable energy mix.” Going beyond 2020 predictions, he said KA-CARE is “considering a sizable capacity of solar energy generation. That should lay the groundwork for the 2020 and 2030 goals.” Abdul Rahman F. Al-Wuhaib, Saudi Aramco's senior vice president of Operations Services, said Saudi Arabia has the sun, sand and land for solar energy to thrive. Solar energy has a promising future and an important role not only as a potential source of energy but also for the Saudi manufacturing industry, he said. “Saudi Aramco is fundamentally interested in ensuring an optimum energy mix. Rapid economic and industrial development along with growing living standards mean the Kingdom's energy consumption is growing,” Al-Wuhaib said. To ensure sustainability, Saudi Aramco is increasing energy efficiency and conservation and is evaluating renewable energy, especially solar energy, because of its abundance and its unique fit for the Kingdom. The forum was organized by New Business Development as part of the company's solar strategy, which is spearheaded by New Business Development, according to a report carried by Saudi Aramco's website. “The forum is a Saudi Aramco endeavor to bring together the many initiatives and efforts that are under way across the Kingdom to support the deployment of solar energy and foster a solar industry in the Kingdom,” said Ahmad Al- Khowaiter, Director of the New Business Evaluation Department. Speakers and participants said solar power can play a significant role in alleviating the need for conventional fuels by complementing some conventional power generation in the Kingdom. After the forum, the New Business Evaluation Department hosted a one-day workshop titled “Implementing Large-Scale Photovoltaic Projects: Technical and Economic Aspects,” in which participants received hands-on training through case studies.
