Energy transition in Saudi Arabia: harnessing solar solutions for a sustainable future renewable energy blend while navigating challenges and capitalizing on opportunities

Muhammad Saleem, Muhammad Taha Bin-Saleem, Muhammad Adil Bin-Saleem, Mehmood Ali, Elaf N. Mahrous

Abstract


Background Saudi Arabia's transition towards renewable energy is crucial in reducing its historical dependency on fossil fuels, motivated by the urgent need to combat global warming and diversify its energy portfolio. This study critically examines the role of solar energy, positioned as a primary renewable resource under the ambit of Saudi Vision 2030. By reviewing a comprehensive body of literature spanning the past 50 years using the PRISMA framework, the research aims to assess the feasibility of solar energy within the nation's renewable landscape.

Results A systematic analysis of 292 publications, narrowing down to 72 selected articles through rigorous quality assessment and bibliometric analysis, reveals substantial opportunities for enhancing solar energy efficiency. The findings underscore the potential of advanced solutions such as perovskite and quantum dot solar cells, alongside the implementation of anti-soiling coatings and innovative cooling mechanisms. Localizing manufacturing capabilities and increasing private sector engagement emerge as critical components for fostering solar energy adoption. Additionally, techno-economic assessments indicate that a pivot to solar power could offer significant environmental advantages, characterized by reduced installation and maintenance costs. Nonetheless, entrenched fossil fuel subsidies and prevailing pricing frameworks present significant barriers to the integration of renewable energy.

Conclusions & Recommendations The adoption of solar energy carries far-reaching implications for Saudi Arabia, likely resulting in improved environmental quality and diminished greenhouse gas emissions. This study advocates for essential policy reforms and the establishment of transparent feed-in tariff mechanisms to facilitate the realization of the Kingdom's renewable energy objectives. Future research directions should delve into the intricate techno-economic relationships between renewable energy development, economic growth, and environmental sustainability as Saudi Arabia progresses in its energy transition.

 

Received: 30 April 2025

Accepted: 14 July 2025

Published: 13 August 2025


Keywords


Localize fabrication; Perovskites and quantum dot solar cells; Renewable energy blend; Solar cell design; Techno-economic evaluation

Full Text:

PDF

References


M.Escandon, “Petroleum: Market analysis and its importance in the Colombian global economy - Webthesis,” Polito.it, Jul. 2023, doi: https://webthesis.biblio.polito.it/secure/28434/1/tesi.pdf.

“Saudi Press Agency, ‘Saudi Arabia Vision 2030.’ ,” Jul. 2016. [Online]. Available: https://semiocast.com/downloads/Semiocast_Twitter_debate_on_Saudi_Arabia_Vision_2030_20160516.pdf

A. A. Imam, A. Abusorrah, and M. Marzband, “Potentials and opportunities of solar PV and wind energy sources in Saudi Arabia: Land suitability, techno-socio-economic feasibility, and future variability,” Results in Engineering, vol. 21, p. 101785, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.101785.

G. Al Zohbi and F. G. AlAmri, “Current Situation of Renewable Energy in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities and Challenges,” J Sustain Dev, vol. 13, no. 2, p. 98, Mar. 2020, doi: 10.5539/jsd.v13n2p98.

I. Tlili, “Renewable energy in Saudi Arabia: current status and future potentials,” Environ Dev Sustain, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 859–886, Aug. 2015, doi: 10.1007/s10668-014-9579-9.

H. A. Aldhubaib, “Electrical energy future of Saudi Arabia: Challenges and opportunities,” Front Energy Res, vol. 10, Dec. 2022, doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2022.1005081.

M. Zubair, “PV energy penetration in Saudi Arabia: current status, residential, and commercial users, local investment, use in modern agriculture,” International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 39–51, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1080/19397038.2023.2297262.

H. L. M. Benhacene and A. M. Hussien, “The Impact of Adopting Renewable Energy Resources on Sustainable Development in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative View,” Sustainability, vol. 17, no. 2, p. 768, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.3390/su17020768.

R. Sarkis-Onofre, F. Catalá-López, E. Aromataris, and C. Lockwood, “How to properly use the PRISMA Statement,” Syst Rev, vol. 10, no. 1, p. 117, Dec. 2021, doi: 10.1186/s13643-021-01671-z.

B. Herteleer, A. Dobb, O. Boyd, S. Rodgers, and L. Frearson, “Identifying risks, costs, and lessons from ARENA‐funded off‐grid renewable energy projects in regional Australia,” Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, vol. 26, no. 8, pp. 642–650, Aug. 2018, doi: 10.1002/pip.3004.

H. Ritchie, “How have the world’s energy sources changed over the last two centuries?,” Jul. 2021. [Online]. Available: https://ourworldindata.org/global-energy-200-years

M. Ragheb, “History of Harnessing Wind Power,” in Wind Energy Engineering, Elsevier, 2017, pp. 127–143. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-809451-8.00007-2.

L. Li et al., “Review and outlook on the international renewable energy development,” Energy and Built Environment, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 139–157, Apr. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.enbenv.2020.12.002.

M. Bošnjaković, M. Katinić, R. Santa, and D. Marić, “Wind Turbine Technology Trends,” Applied Sciences, vol. 12, no. 17, p. 8653, Aug. 2022, doi: 10.3390/app12178653.

N. Hatziargyriou and A. Zervos, “Wind power development in Europe,” Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 89, no. 12, pp. 1765–1782, 2001, doi: 10.1109/5.975906.

M. Kahia, B. Jarraya, B. kahouli, and A. Omri, “The Role of Environmental Innovation and Green Energy Deployment in Environmental Protection: Evidence from Saudi Arabia,” Journal of the Knowledge Economy, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 337–363, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1007/s13132-022-01093-9.

Q. Hassan et al., “The renewable energy role in the global energy Transformations,” Renewable Energy Focus, vol. 48, p. 100545, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ref.2024.100545.

J. Xu and T. Liu, “Technological paradigm-based approaches towards challenges and policy shifts for sustainable wind energy development,” Energy Policy, vol. 142, p. 111538, Jul. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2020.111538.

S. Naik, V. V. Goud, P. K. Rout, K. Jacobson, and A. K. Dalai, “Characterization of Canadian biomass for alternative renewable biofuel,” Renew Energy, vol. 35, no. 8, pp. 1624–1631, Aug. 2010, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2009.08.033.

M. Saleem, “Possibility of utilizing agriculture biomass as a renewable and sustainable future energy source,” Heliyon, vol. 8, no. 2, p. e08905, Feb. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08905.

A. Saravanan, P. Senthil Kumar, S. Jeevanantham, S. Karishma, and D.-V. N. Vo, “Recent advances and sustainable development of biofuels production from lignocellulosic biomass,” Bioresour Technol, vol. 344, p. 126203, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126203.

I. Yuksel, “Renewable energy status of electricity generation and future prospect hydropower in Turkey,” Renew Energy, vol. 50, pp. 1037–1043, Feb. 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2012.08.063.

İ. Gürer, “Hydropower Outlook of Turkey in 2021,” in Climate Change, Natural Resources and Sustainable Environmental Management, 2022, pp. 56–65. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-04375-8_7.

Md. Abdullah-Al-Mahbub and A. R. M. T. Islam, “Current status of running renewable energy in Bangladesh and future prospect: A global comparison,” Heliyon, vol. 9, no. 3, p. e14308, Mar. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14308.

T. Azhar Hakim, “Small Hydro Power in Indonesia: A Niche Development Analysis,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://repository.tudelft.nl/record/uuid:a066eef1-3d67-4682-b489-130ddf81d052

F. S.-U. Centre, “Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2019,” Unep.org, 2019, doi: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/29752.

I. Nica, I. Georgescu, and N. Chiriță, “Simulation and Modelling as Catalysts for Renewable Energy: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends,” Energies (Basel), vol. 17, no. 13, p. 3090, Jun. 2024, doi: 10.3390/en17133090.

A. Q. Al-Shetwi, “Sustainable development of renewable energy integrated power sector: Trends, environmental impacts, and recent challenges,” Science of The Total Environment, vol. 822, p. 153645, May 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153645.

X. Xu, Z. Wei, Q. Ji, C. Wang, and G. Gao, “Global renewable energy development: Influencing factors, trend predictions and countermeasures,” Resources Policy, vol. 63, p. 101470, Oct. 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2019.101470.

M. A. Saleem, “Natural Mix Algae Possible Source of Renewable Energy, Environmental friendly Bio-hydrogen,” Journal of King Abdulaziz University-Meteorology, Environment and Arid Land Agriculture Sciences, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 31–38, 2018.

A. M. M. I. Qureshy and I. Dincer, “A new integrated renewable energy system for clean electricity and hydrogen fuel production,” Int J Hydrogen Energy, vol. 45, no. 41, pp. 20944–20955, Aug. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.04.218.

M. SALEEM, “Artificial photosynthesis a novel and sustainable renewable energy source: In the perspective of Saudi Arabia,” Clean Energy Technologies Journal, pp. 90–104, 2023, doi: 10.14744/cetj.2023.0009.

X. Ju, C. Xu, Y. Hu, X. Han, G. Wei, and X. Du, “A review on the development of photovoltaic/concentrated solar power (PV-CSP) hybrid systems,” Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, vol. 161, pp. 305–327, Mar. 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.solmat.2016.12.004.

S. Battersby, “The solar cell of the future,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 116, no. 1, pp. 7–10, Jan. 2019, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1820406116.

S. Mekhilef, R. Saidur, and A. Safari, “A review on solar energy use in industries,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 1777–1790, May 2011, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2010.12.018.

A. Jamar, Z. A. A. Majid, W. H. Azmi, M. Norhafana, and A. A. Razak, “A review of water heating system for solar energy applications,” International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, vol. 76, pp. 178–187, Aug. 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2016.05.028.

J. Burney, L. Woltering, M. Burke, R. Naylor, and D. Pasternak, “Solar-powered drip irrigation enhances food security in the Sudano–Sahel,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 107, no. 5, pp. 1848–1853, Feb. 2010, doi: 10.1073/pnas.0909678107.

S. Ali, “SOLAR-HYDROGEN SYSTEMS FOR REMOTE AREA POWER SUPPLY,” 2007. [Online]. Available: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/15614913.pdf

S. Ma, G. Yuan, Y. Zhang, N. Yang, Y. Li, and Q. Chen, “Development of encapsulation strategies towards the commercialization of perovskite solar cells,” Energy Environ Sci, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 13–55, 2022, doi: 10.1039/D1EE02882K.

D. Zabelin, “Green Saudi Arabia: The Rise of a Renewable Energy Superpower,” Journal for Iranian Studies, vol. 8, no. 19, p. 31, 2024.

A. Machín and F. Márquez, “Advancements in Photovoltaic Cell Materials: Silicon, Organic, and Perovskite Solar Cells,” Materials, vol. 17, no. 5, p. 1165, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.3390/ma17051165.

K. Yu et al., “Stable and eco-friendly Ag–In–S/Zn–S quantum dots for an efficient and optically transparent luminescent solar concentrator-organic photovoltaic system,” J Power Sources, vol. 629, p. 236025, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.236025.

B. P. Kore, M. Jamshidi, and J. M. Gardner, “The impact of moisture on the stability and degradation of perovskites in solar cells,” Mater Adv, vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 2200–2217, 2024, doi: 10.1039/D3MA00828B.

K. Tewari et al., “Innovative Coating Methods for the Industrial Applications,” in Functional Coatings, Wiley, 2024, pp. 23–50. doi: 10.1002/9781394207305.ch2.

M. Rezaei, M. Sameti, and F. Nasiri, “Design optimization for an integrated tri-generation of heat, electricity, and hydrogen powered by biomass in cold climates,” International Journal of Thermofluids, vol. 22, p. 100618, May 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ijft.2024.100618.

P. V. Tumram et al., “Solar cell performance enhancement using nanostructures,” Materials Science and Engineering: B, vol. 307, p. 117504, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.mseb.2024.117504.

V. T. Lukong, K. Ukoba, and T.-C. Jen, “Fabrication of vanadium dioxide thin films and application of its thermochromic and photochromic nature in self-cleaning: A review,” Energy & Environment, vol. 34, no. 8, pp. 3495–3528, Dec. 2023, doi: 10.1177/0958305X221145204.

S. N. Sharma, P. Semalti, Bhawna, and A. S. Rao, “Pioneering advancements in quantum dot solar cells: Innovations in synthesis and cutting-edge applications,” Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci, vol. 77, p. 101905, Jun. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.cocis.2025.101905.

Y. Duan, Y. Chen, Y. Wu, Z. Liu, S. Liu, and Q. Peng, “A Comprehensive Review of Organic Hole‐Transporting Materials for Highly Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells,” Adv Funct Mater, vol. 34, no. 25, Jun. 2024, doi: 10.1002/adfm.202315604.

Z. Zhang et al., “Suppression of phase segregation in wide-bandgap perovskites with thiocyanate ions for perovskite/organic tandems with 25.06% efficiency,” Nat Energy, vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 592–601, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1038/s41560-024-01491-0.

Y. Bi et al., “Highly efficient and eco-friendly green quantum dot light-emitting diodes through interfacial potential grading,” Nat Commun, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 1945, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-57304-9.

K. D. Wegner and U. Resch-Genger, “The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry: Quantum dots,” Anal Bioanal Chem, vol. 416, no. 14, pp. 3283–3293, Jun. 2024, doi: 10.1007/s00216-024-05225-9.

K. Ukoba, K. O. Yoro, O. Eterigho-Ikelegbe, C. Ibegbulam, and T.-C. Jen, “Adaptation of solar energy in the Global South: Prospects, challenges and opportunities,” Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 7, p. e28009, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28009.

M. O. Ukoba et al., “Using remote sensing technique to assess biomass energy potentials and appropriate site locations in Nigeria,” Measurement: Sensors, vol. 33, p. 101145, Jun. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.measen.2024.101145.

M. Aghaei et al., “Review of degradation and failure phenomena in photovoltaic modules,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 159, p. 112160, May 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2022.112160.

Y. Cui et al., “Single‐Junction Organic Photovoltaic Cell with 19% Efficiency,” Advanced Materials, vol. 33, no. 41, Oct. 2021, doi: 10.1002/adma.202102420.

Olorunshogo Benjamin Ogundipe, Azubuike Chukwudi Okwandu, and Sanni Ayinde Abdulwaheed, “Recent advances in solar photovoltaic technologies: Efficiency, materials, and applications,” GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 159–175, Jul. 2024, doi: 10.30574/gscarr.2024.20.1.0259.

B. Alshuraiaan, “Improving the efficiency of solar-driven trigeneration systems using nanofluid coolants,” Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, vol. 50, p. 103459, Oct. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.csite.2023.103459.

A. A. Rajhi et al., “Enhancing the performance of quantum dot solar cells through halogen adatoms on carboxyl edge-functionalized graphene quantum dots,” J Photochem Photobiol A Chem, vol. 447, p. 115240, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2023.115240.

G. Korotcenkov, “II-VI Wide-Bandgap Semiconductor Device Technology: Stability and Oxidation,” in Handbook of II-VI Semiconductor-Based Sensors and Radiation Detectors, Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2023, pp. 517–550. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-19531-0_18.

T. Asirvatham, M. Abubacker, P. Isaac Chandran, A. Boppana, S. Salim Al Abdulla, and R. Mohammed Saad, “Post-COVID-19 Stroke Rehabilitation in Qatar: A Retrospective, Observational Pilot Study,” Qatar Med J, vol. 2022, no. 1, Jun. 2022, doi: 10.5339/qmj.2022.10.

A. Kuddus, S. K. Mostaque, S. Mouri, and J. Hossain, “Emerging II-VI wide bandgap semiconductor device technologies,” Phys Scr, vol. 99, no. 2, p. 022001, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.1088/1402-4896/ad1858.

J. Zhu, K. Lu, J. Li, Z. Liu, and W. Ma, “Tandem solar cells based on quantum dots,” Mater Chem Front, vol. 8, no. 7, pp. 1792–1807, 2024, doi: 10.1039/D3QM01087B.

T. W. Africa, “Archimedes through the Looking-Glass,” The Classical World, vol. 68, no. 5, p. 305, 1975, doi: 10.2307/4348211.

R. P. Merchán, M. J. Santos, A. Medina, and A. Calvo Hernández, “High temperature central tower plants for concentrated solar power: 2021 overview,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 155, p. 111828, Mar. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111828.

E. Kabir, P. Kumar, S. Kumar, A. A. Adelodun, and K.-H. Kim, “Solar energy: Potential and future prospects,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 82, pp. 894–900, Feb. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.094.

S. M. Rahman et al., “Electricity Generation in Saudi Arabia: Tracing Opportunities and Challenges to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions,” IEEE Access, vol. 9, pp. 116163–116182, 2021, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3105378.

D. Wogan, S. Pradhan, and S. Albardi, “GCC Energy System Overview – 2017,” Jul. 2017, King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center. [Online]. Available: https://ideas.repec.org/p/prc/mpaper/ks–2017-mp04.a.html

J. I. Mikayilov and A. Darandary, “Modelling and projecting regional electricity demand for Saudi Arabia,” OPEC Energy Review, vol. 48, no. 4, pp. 261–277, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1111/opec.12312.

H. Al Shidi, H. Sulaiman, and P. Amoatey, “Shifting to Renewable Energy to Mitigate Carbon Emissions: Initiatives by the States of Gulf Cooperation Council,” Low Carbon Econ, vol. 07, no. 03, pp. 123–136, 2016, doi: 10.4236/lce.2016.73012.

corporate-body. J. R. C. IEA, “GHG emissions of all world countries - Publications Office of the EU,” 2024. [Online]. Available: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/dd80d863-6a63-11ef-a8ba-01aa75ed71a1/language-en

P. Friedlingstein et al., “Global Carbon Budget 2020,” Earth Syst Sci Data, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 3269–3340, Dec. 2020, doi: 10.5194/essd-12-3269-2020.

M. T. Islam and A. Ali, “Sustainable green energy transition in Saudi Arabia: Characterizing policy framework, interrelations and future research directions,” Next Energy, vol. 5, p. 100161, Oct. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.nxener.2024.100161.

GCC, “Statistical data on electricity consumption in GCC countries,” 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.gccstat.org/

M. Sharifzadeh, R. K. T. Hien, and N. Shah, “China’s roadmap to low-carbon electricity and water: Disentangling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from electricity-water nexus via renewable wind and solar power generation, and carbon capture and storage,” Appl Energy, vol. 235, pp. 31–42, Feb. 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.10.087.

T. Ramachandran, A.-H. I. Mourad, and F. Hamed, “A Review on Solar Energy Utilization and Projects: Development in and around the UAE,” Energies (Basel), vol. 15, no. 10, p. 3754, May 2022, doi: 10.3390/en15103754.

SEC, “Annual report 2021 Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), Riyadh,” 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.se.com.sa/

A. Alaidroos, L. He, and M. Krarti, “Feasibility of renewable energy based distributed generations in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia,” in World Renewable Energy Forum, WREF 2012, Including World Renewable Energy Congress XII and Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) Annual Conferen, 2012. [Online]. Available: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alaa_Alaidroos/publication/269336509_Feasibility_of_Renewable_Energy_Based_Distributed_Generation_in_Yanbu_Saudi_Arabia/links/548757730cf268d28f0721d8.pdf.

F. R. PAZHERI, “Solar Power Potential In Saudi Arabia. International,” vol. 4, no. 9, pp. 171–174, 2014.

A. Al-Badi and I. AlMubarak, “Growing energy demand in the GCC countries,” Arab J Basic Appl Sci, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 488–496, Jan. 2019, doi: 10.1080/25765299.2019.1687396.

Y. H. A. Amran, Y. H. M. Amran, R. Alyousef, and H. Alabduljabbar, “Renewable and sustainable energy production in Saudi Arabia according to Saudi Vision 2030; Current status and future prospects,” J Clean Prod, vol. 247, p. 119602, Feb. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119602.

F. S. Al-Ismail, M. S. Alam, M. Shafiullah, M. I. Hossain, and S. M. Rahman, “Impacts of Renewable Energy Generation on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Review,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 6, p. 5069, Mar. 2023, doi: 10.3390/su15065069.

P. C. Iwuji and R. C. Okoro, “A review on hybridization of renewable energy resources in Nigeria,” Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 051–057, May 2020, doi: 10.30574/gjeta.2020.3.2.0028.

N. Samargandi, Md. Monirul Islam, and K. Sohag, “Towards realizing vision 2030: Input demand for renewable energy production in Saudi Arabia,” Gondwana Research, vol. 127, pp. 47–64, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2023.05.019.

A. I. Almulhim, “Understanding public awareness and attitudes toward renewable energy resources in Saudi Arabia,” Renew Energy, vol. 192, pp. 572–582, Jun. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2022.04.122.

A. Baras, R. K. Jones, A. Alqahtani, and M. Alodan, “Measured soiling loss and its economic impact for PV plants in central Saudi Arabia,” in 2016 Saudi Arabia Smart Grid (SASG), IEEE, Dec. 2016, pp. 1–7. doi: 10.1109/SASG.2016.7849657.

A. Baras, W. Bamhair, Y. Alkhoshi, M. Alodan, and J. Engel-Cox, “Opportunities and Challenges of Solar Energy in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh.” King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy,” 2012. [Online]. Available: https://171.67.100.116/courses/2012/ph240/aljamaan2/docs/Solar.pdf

Z. Q. S. Nwokediegwu, K. I. Ibekwe, V. I. Ilojianya, E. A. Etukudoh, and Olushola Babatunde Ayorinde, “RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN ENGINEERING: A REVIEW OF CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS,” Engineering Science & Technology Journal, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 367–384, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.51594/estj.v5i2.800.

Y. Wang, S. Zhou, and H. Huo, “Cost and CO 2 reductions of solar photovoltaic power generation in China: Perspectives for 2020,” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol. 39, pp. 370–380, Nov. 2014, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2014.07.027.

E. Rynska, “Review of PV Solar Energy Development 2011–2021 in Central European Countries,” Energies (Basel), vol. 15, no. 21, p. 8307, Nov. 2022, doi: 10.3390/en15218307.

K. A. Khan, M. M. Quamar, F. H. Al-Qahtani, M. Asif, M. Alqahtani, and M. Khalid, “Smart grid infrastructure and renewable energy deployment: A conceptual review of Saudi Arabia,” Energy Strategy Reviews, vol. 50, p. 101247, Nov. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.esr.2023.101247.

“Savings,” Solarworld, 2024, [Online]. Available: https://www.solarworld-sa.com/pages/savings#:~:text=The%20feed%2Din%20tariff%20for,are%20achievable%20with%20solar%20energy

A. B. Ahmadullah, A. Al-Sharafi, G. Hassan, H. Al-Qahtani, A. A. Abubakar, and B. S. Yilbas, “A Techno-Economic Review of Dust Accumulation and Cleaning Techniques for Solar Energy Harvesting Devices,” Arab J Sci Eng, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 1343–1365, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.1007/s13369-023-08206-9.

Z. R. K. Abojela, M. K. M. Desa, and A. H. Sabry, “Current prospects of building-integrated solar PV systems and the application of bifacial PVs,” Front Energy Res, vol. 11, Apr. 2023, doi: 10.3389/fenrg.2023.1164494.

A. M. Ghanem and Y. A. Alamri, “The impact of the green Middle East initiative on sustainable development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 35–46, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.jssas.2022.06.001.

R. Sarrakh, S. Renukappa, S. Suresh, and S. Mushatat, “Impact of subsidy reform on the kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s economy and carbon emissions,” Energy Strategy Reviews, vol. 28, p. 100465, Mar. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.esr.2020.100465.

U. Halden, U. Cali, M. F. Dynge, J. Stekli, and L. Bai, “DLT-based equity crowdfunding on the techno-economic feasibility of solar energy investments,” Solar Energy, vol. 227, pp. 137–150, Oct. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.solener.2021.08.067.

A. H. Almasoud and H. M. Gandayh, “Future of solar energy in Saudi Arabia,” Journal of King Saud University - Engineering Sciences, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 153–157, Jul. 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.jksues.2014.03.007.

J. Wagner, S. Merner, S. Innocenti, A. Geling, and R. Hope, “Can solar water kiosks generate sustainable revenue streams for rural water services?,” World Dev, vol. 185, p. 106787, Jan. 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2024.106787.

M. Usman, M. T. Khan, A. S. Rana, and S. Ali, “Techno-economic analysis of hybrid solar-diesel-grid connected power generation system,” Journal of Electrical Systems and Information Technology, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 653–662, Dec. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.jesit.2017.06.002.

R. Hajimineh and A. M. Moghani, “The important factors of Saudi Arabian policymaking in renewable energy resources,” Future Energy, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 29–38, May 2023, doi: 10.55670/fpll.fuen.2.2.4.

D. N. Remsey, “The Impact of the Renewable Energy Transition on Rentier Structures: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia since the 2014 Oil Price Plunge,” dspace.cuni.cz, Jul. 2023, [Online]. Available: https://dspace.cuni.cz/handle/20.500.11956/186837

D. Albahdal, M. Almousa, W. Aljebreen, and A. A. Almutairi, “Sunrise in the Desert: Leveraging Big Data Analytics for Predictive Solar Energy Production in Saudi Arabia,” IEEE Access, vol. 13, pp. 54585–54600, 2025, doi: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3551271.

B. Fattouh, “Saudi oil policy: Continuity and change in the era of the energy transition,” 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/246567

G. Energy, “Saudi Arabia to fall short of its 2023 and 2030 Renewable Target,” Jul. 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.power-technology.com/analyst-comment/saudi-arabia-renewable/?cf-view

W. Su, M. Liu, S. Zeng, D. Štreimikienė, T. Baležentis, and I. Ališauskaitė-Šeškienė, “Valuating renewable microgeneration technologies in Lithuanian households: A study on willingness to pay,” J Clean Prod, vol. 191, pp. 318–329, Aug. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.199.

S. F. Al-Gahtani, “Saudi Arabia’s Journey toward a Renewable Future,” Energies (Basel), vol. 17, no. 11, p. 2444, May 2024, doi: 10.3390/en17112444.

M. Saleem and M. Ali, “Sustainable Energy Measures in Saudi Arabia Based on Renewable Energy Sources: Present Actions and Future Plans,” in 4th International Conference on Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development 2016, 2016.

A. Ali, “Transforming Saudi Arabia’s Energy Landscape towards a Sustainable Future: Progress of Solar Photovoltaic Energy Deployment,” Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 10, p. 8420, May 2023, doi: 10.3390/su15108420.

R. Leal-Arcas, S. Alrasheed, H. Almusaad, S. F. Alsaud, and N. Alyousif, “A Tale of Three Countries: Energy Decentralization in Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia,” The IUP Journal of International Relations, vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 51–122, 2024.

J.-F. Seznec, “The Saudi Aramco-SABIC Merger: How Acquiring SABIC Fits into Aramco’s Long-Term Diversification Strategy,” Atlantic Council, JSTOR, 2020,” 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/resrep23549.pdf

A. Al-Sarihi, N. Mansouri, and S. Al-Otaibi, “GCC Renewable Energy Development Amid COVID-19 Pandemic,” in GCC Hydrocarbon Economies and COVID, Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore, 2023, pp. 57–89. doi: 10.1007/978-981-19-5462-7_4.

M. Al-Saidi, “Energy transition in Saudi Arabia: Giant leap or necessary adjustment for a large carbon economy?,” Energy Reports, vol. 8, pp. 312–318, Jun. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2022.01.015.

W. Ko, E. Al-Ammar, and M. Almahmeed, “Development of Feed-in Tariff for PV in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Energies (Basel), vol. 12, no. 15, p. 2898, Jul. 2019, doi: 10.3390/en12152898.

A. Al-Sharafi, A. B. Ahmadullah, G. Hassan, H. Al-Qahtani, A. A. Abubakar, and B. S. Yilbas, “Influence of environmental dust accumulation on the performance and economics of solar energy systems: A comprehensive review,” Cleaner Energy Systems, vol. 8, p. 100125, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.cles.2024.100125.

S. Bouafia and M. Si Abdallah, “Numerical study of a solar PV/thermal collector under several conditions in Algeria,” Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development, vol. 10, no. 2, p. 233, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.900.

M. M. Ibrahim, M. A. William, A. M. Elharidi, A. A. Hanafy, and M. J. Suarez-Lopez, “Do solar green roofs contribute to SDGs, fostering energy efficiency and environmental conservation?,” Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development, vol. 10, no. 2, p. 258, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.924.

R. T. Moyo, M. Dewa, H. F. M. Romero, V. A. Gómez, J. I. M. Aragonés, and L. Hernández-Callejo, “An adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference scheme for defect detection and classification of solar PV cells,” Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development, vol. 10, no. 2, p. 218, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.21622/resd.2024.10.2.929.

C. B. Agaton and C. S. Guno, “Renewable energy in sustainable agricultural production: real options approach to solar irrigation investment under uncertainty,” Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development, vol. 10, no. 1, p. 77, May 2024, doi: 10.21622/resd.2024.10.1.829.

A. Ghosal, A. Kumar, and S. K. Rai, “Review on issues and challenges to sustainable urban development in the state of Uttarakhand,” Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development, vol. 10, no. 1, p. 92, May 2024, doi: 10.21622/resd.2024.10.1.758.




DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2025.11.2.1319

Refbacks



Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Saleem, Muhammad Taha Bin-Saleem, Muhammad Adil Bin-Saleem, Mehmood Ali, Elaf N. Mahrous

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development

E-ISSN: 2356-8569

P-ISSN: 2356-8518

 

Published by:

Academy Publishing Center (APC)

Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Alexandria, Egypt

resd@aast.edu