{"id":13370,"date":"2019-05-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-28T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T08:36:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T08:36:23","slug":"middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future","status":"publish","type":"perspectives","link":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/","title":{"rendered":"The Middle Eastern energy mix: a changing landscape delivering a cleaner future"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>For the first time, Saudi Arabia is celebrating being included in the top 40 countries listed in EY\u2019s Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI). The rankings look at a range of factors, including economic and political stability, investment climate, energy market access, natural resource, infrastructure and finance availability.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-21566 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Recai.png\" alt=\"Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index\" width=\"1946\" height=\"1201\" \/><br \/>\nThey also reflect a global recognition of the threat of climate change and the need to move towards a cleaner energy mix. That need was reemphasized by a December 2018, report from The World Bank, Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE): Policy Matters 2018, which confirmed a profound shift in the world\u2019s outlook towards renewable energy.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-21567 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/World-Bank-logo-150x85.jpg\" alt=\"World Bank Group Logo\" width=\"150\" height=\"85\" \/>\u201cSince 2010, the number of countries adopting advanced policy frameworks in support of sustainable energy has more than tripled (from 17 to 59). Despite variations in performance by region and income group, there are strong performers in every region and in every income group.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"A Tool to Track Sustainable Energy Policies Worldwide\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pB4-ZCZgMy8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>By securing its position in the well-regarded and authoritative RISE listing, Saudi Arabia is receiving public acknowledgement and recognition of the progress it is making in line with the renewable energy objectives it laid out in Vision 2030, its national development strategy. It is also making a significant contribution to the United Nations\u2019 Sustainable Development Goal 7 \u2013 ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted in full by all UN member states in 2015.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A new\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Vision for a cleaner energy mix<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With its long-term commitments to renewable energy, Saudi Arabia is clearly and publicly on a path to a cleaner future. Its targets include 3GW of electricity from wind and solar power by 2020, rising to 9.5GW of electricity from renewable sources by 2023 and 60GW by 2030. It is estimated that the Saudi Arabian government will invest up to US$ 50 billion across 60 projects in order to achieve its 2023 ambitions. Furthermore, in Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia promises to review the legal and regulatory framework that allows the private sector to buy and invest in the renewable energy sector. Opening its renewable energy markets to foreign direct investment is viewed as a key step in the country\u2019s ongoing efforts to achieve economic diversification.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21923\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Energy-Mix-1.jpg\" alt=\"Saudi Arabia plans 60GW of Renewable Energy by 2030\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><br \/>\nYet before a path to the future can be plotted, it is crucial to understand Saudi Arabia\u2019s current energy mix and usage. According to official analysis, industry, buildings and transport account for 92% of the country\u2019s current energy consumption. Buildings alone use roughly three-quarters of Saudi Arabia\u2019s electricity production, with 65% of that (48.75% of the overall electricity production) needed simply to meet air conditioning demand.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21925\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Energy-Mix-2.jpg\" alt=\"Saudi Arabia Energy Consumption\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><br \/>\nWith a growing, young and tech-savvy population increasingly moving towards urbanization, the demand for electricity across Saudi Arabia looks set to continue to increase. The challenge, therefore, is to find cleaner, healthier and more sustainable ways to deliver the energy required as the country\u2019s economic development continues to pick up pace.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-21926 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Sustainable-Tomorrow-105x150.png\" alt=\"Sustainable Tomorrow\" width=\"105\" height=\"150\" \/>&#8220;We are part of this world and we live the problems and challenges it is facing. We all share this responsibility and we will contribute, God willing, actively to the development of solutions to many of the world\u2019s pressing issues, including the issues of the environment and sustainable development. We will continue in this regard to work with international organizations, institutions and partners.&#8221;<br \/>\n&#8211; Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz<\/p>\n<p>As part of this commitment from the very top of Saudi Arabian leadership, in 2016 the country established the Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REPDO) within the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources (MEIM). Another key pillar of Saudi Arabia\u2019s renewable energy strategy is the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP). This was established to encourage local and international companies to take part in the country\u2019s renewable energy projects. All NREP projects enjoy 100 per cent financial autonomy. In addition, all energy produced is based on an \u2018independent power producer\u2019 model, under the framework of purchase agreements of 25 years for solar projects and 20 years for wind projects.<\/p>\n<p>REPDO is uniquely tasked with maximizing the potential of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia and delivering the stated goals of the NREP. Those include significantly increasing the share of renewable energy in the country\u2019s energy mix by:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: square;\">\n<li>Driving public-private partnerships through best-in-class tendering and pre-development practices<\/li>\n<li>Guiding policy to create a globally competitive and locally-based technology hub<\/li>\n<li>Contributing to the Kingdom\u2019s energy transition and environmental commitments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Saudi Arabia: a welcoming home for foreign direct investment in renewable energy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In February 2018, Saudi Arabia awarded its first solar project under the NREP. The 300 MW Sakaka solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the Al Jouf region of northern Saudi Arabia broke ground in November 2018. It is expected to create more than 400 job opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>His Excellency Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, said:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-21927 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/logo_NREP-150x68.png\" alt=\"National Renewable Energy Program Logo\" width=\"150\" height=\"68\" \/>\u201cWhen the National Renewable Energy Program was launched last year, we set a goal to make it among the most attractive and well executed government renewable energy investment programs in the world. After a competitive and transparent tendering process, which saw us receive two world record breaking bids, we can confidently say that we are well on our way to making that a reality, and we look forward to entering the next stage for our National Renewable Energy Program. \u201d<\/p>\n<p>This was followed, five months later, by REPDO hosting the bid opening ceremony for Dumat Al Jandal, a US$ 500 million, 400 MW wind project and Saudi Arabia\u2019s first utility-scale wind farm. Like the Sakaka solar plant, the Dumat Al Jandal wind farm will be situated in Al Jouf. It is expected to supply 70,000 homes with clean electricity, with REPDO receiving bids \u201cof between US$ 21.30\/MWh and US$ 33.86\/MWh\u201d for the project.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThe development of a wind energy industry in Saudi Arabia is an important component of our wider industrial diversification strategy,\u201d said His Excellency Khalid Al Falih.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Yet these projects, while encouraging in themselves, remain extraordinarily small in comparison to Saudi Arabia\u2019s most ambitious project: a 200 GW solar plant that some have estimated will cost US$ 200 billion; almost triple Saudi Arabia\u2019s electricity generation capacity; and be 100 times bigger than any other planned PV project anywhere in the world, far outstripping 2GW plants in Australia and Greece.<\/p>\n<p>If realized, the single Saudi plant alone would produce 33 per cent more energy than the entire global PV industry managed in 2017. The first phase of the project, a 7.2 GW development, will in part be funded by Softbank\u2019s Vision Fund, which will provide US$ 1 billion of the total US$ 5 billion required. Speaking at a briefing in New York after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saudi Arabia\u2019s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son suggested the project could create up to 100,000 jobs.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21928\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/FA10-Fullwidth_body.jpg\" alt=\"Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Masa San\" width=\"750\" height=\"623\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Opening up a bright future across the Middle East<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Saudi Arabia is far from the only country to be making considerable progress with dedicated and concerted clean energy policies. In April 2016, GCC states pledged to pump US$ 100 billion into renewable energy projects over the following 20 years. A report by Siemens Middle East, meanwhile, predicts that the share of renewable energy in the region will more than triple by 2035.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cA shift to renewable energy will not only reduce the cost of power production and carbon emissions, but also free up more oil for exports,\u201d says M.R. Raghu, Managing Director of Marmore MENA Intelligence.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-21929\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/oman-flag-150x101.png\" alt=\"Oman Flag\" width=\"150\" height=\"101\" \/>In Oman, the government has committed to a target of securing 10 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. The ambition was laid out in the National Program for Enhancing Diversification (Tanfeedh), with its first large-scale solar PV independent power project (IPP) set to commence operations in 2020.<\/p>\n<p>In September 2018, the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) issued its latest seven-year statement. It detailed how OPWP plans to procure 2,650 MW of renewable energy projects to be operational within this seven-year period (2018-2024) . Six new projects \u2013 three solar and three wind \u2013 will be developed to meet this target. Ibri, Manah and Adam will be the locations for the solar PV projects, while Dhofar (two) and Duqm will be the sites of the wind projects.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-21930 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Oman-scene.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"874\" height=\"358\" \/><br \/>\nConstruction of one of the Dhofar wind plants has already started, with Masdar announcing in December 2018, it had installed the first of 13 turbines at the 50 MW facility. The wind farm is expected to provide clean energy to 16,000 Omani homes and could be operational in the third quarter of 2019.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21931\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Oman-Government.jpg\" alt=\"Oman Government Commitment for Electricity by 2025\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has announced two solar PV facilities: a 100MW plant in Amin designed, financed, built and operated by Marubeni Consortium, and a 1,000 MW solar facility at Amal. At the Amin facility, PDO will buy electricity for its interior operations at one of the lowest tariffs in the world \u2013 a fact hailed by PDO as proof of Oman\u2019s capacity to drive significant solar PV investment over the coming years. More than 335,000 solar PV panels will be installed on the 4 square kilometer site, providing clean energy for approximately 15,000 homes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Record-breaking advances in the United Arab Emirates<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-21932\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/UAE-flag-150x101.png\" alt=\"UAE Flag\" width=\"150\" height=\"101\" \/>Long-term planning is also a key strategy in the United Arab Emirates, which unveiled a 30-year energy strategy in January 2017 that aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50 per cent, saving AED 700 billion by 2050.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking at the launch of the UAE Energy Plan for 2050, which also aims to cut residential energy consumption by 40 per cent, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: \u201cHe who does not think of energy is not thinking about the future.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21107\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Dubai.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"475\" \/><br \/>\nIn Dubai, clean energy ambitions stretch even further. It is intent on becoming \u201cthe world\u2019s greenest city\u201d and is aiming for 75 per cent of its power output to come from clean energy sources by 2030.<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, through the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the establishment of the US$ 27.2 billion Dubai Green Fund, which provides low-interest loans for investors in the clean energy sector, Dubai is quickly establishing itself as one of the leading locations for renewable energy progress. From the small details, such as plans for every rooftop in the city to be fitted with a solar panel by 2030, through to the grand ambitions of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which will cover 214 square kilometers and house the world\u2019s tallest solar tower (260 meters) when it is completed in 2030, Dubai appears to be implementing a committed and wholesome reform of its energy mix .<\/p>\n<p>The Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum Solar Park is a particularly eye-catching development. Currently, in phase III of its construction, the final impact of this record-breaking endeavor will see it provide power to 160,000 homes and offset 1.4 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2020. These figures are dwarfed by its eventual output, however. The plant\u2019s final capacity of 5,000 MW will offset 6.5 million tons of CO2 emissions and generate enough energy to power 800,000 homes. In October 2018, phase III of the construction was recognized at the Asian Power Awards in Jakarta, where it was named Solar Project of the Year 2018.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21108\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Dubai_greenest-city.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><br \/>\nIn June 2016, its third phase achieved a then record bid of 2.99 US cents per kilowatt-hour \u2013 nearly half the winning bid for the plant\u2019s 200 MW second phase, which at 5.84 cents was itself at the time a world record low. Meanwhile, the fourth phase of the development achieved the world\u2019s lowest levelized cost of electricity, at 7.3 cents per kilowatt-hour.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21109\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Dubai-solar-park.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><br \/>\nYet these initiatives are not simply restricted to Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, the development of Masdar City is combining new ways of managing water supplies, energy efficiency and waste reduction to create one of the world\u2019s most sustainable urban communities and a \u201cgreenprint for the sustainable development of cities \u201d.<\/p>\n<p>More than 450 companies already operate from Masdar City and 50,000 people will live there when it is complete. Its buildings are designed to reduce energy and water consumption by at least 40 per cent. As an early indication of its progress and potential impact, Masdar City has already attracted the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in a 32,000 square meter complex that is the UAE\u2019s first 4 Pearl structure under the Estidama Pearl Building Rating System. It consumes 64 per cent less energy than typical office buildings in Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Continued advances across the MENAT<\/strong><strong>\u00a0region<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There remain other significant indications of the progress of renewable energy in the wider MENAT region. Morocco (12th), Turkey (18th), and Jordan (29th) are all well-placed on the RECAI Index.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-21110 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Egypt-flag.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" \/>Furthermore, Egypt was named 15th in EY\u2019s RECAI Index \u2013 up five places from 20th in the previous listing. It earned specific praise from EY for the way its Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy is \u201cmaking strides towards implementing wind energy in a big way, with plans for wind schemes up to 1.8GW and total capacity expected to expand by 3.3GW by 2027 \u201d.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21111\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Renewables-in-Egypt.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"338\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Like the UAE, Egypt is targeting major changes to its energy mix: by 2022, the Egyptian government aims to have 20 per cent of the country\u2019s power generated by renewables, rising to 42 per cent by 2032. It has already installed 3.7 GW of renewables capacity, split roughly into three-quarters hydropower and one-quarter solar and wind power.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21112\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Egyptian-government-renewable-targets.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Adnan Z. Amin, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, believes the country could yet achieve even further progress. He said: \u201cBy adopting the right policies now, Egypt could realistically draw 53 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2030 .\u201d Following this path could save Egypt up to US$ 900 million in total energy costs per year by 2030.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21113\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Egypt-skyline.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"947\" height=\"338\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, in Bahrain, seven key initiatives have been identified to help it achieve its renewable energy target of 5 per cent by 2025 and 10 per cent by 2035, revealed the country\u2019s Electricity and Water Affairs Minister, Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza, in a keynote speech at the Solar Utilities Network (SUN) Forum in February 2018 .<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21114\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Bahrain-energy-targets.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Through the joint efforts of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) and Almar Water Solutions, Abdul Latif Jameel Energy is one of the Middle East\u2019s leading developers of clean energy facilities and technology. Their experience stretches as far as Latin America and Australia, and we remain committed to building a brighter, cleaner, healthier and more prosperous future for all citizens of the Middle East and beyond.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-18742 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/media.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Daniel-88x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"88\" height=\"150\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/en\/our-people\/daniel-sagi-vela\/\">Daniel Sagi-Vela<\/a>, CEO of FRV, said: \u201cFor more than six decades, Abdul Latif Jameel has delivered a tireless commitment to excellence in everything it does. That same philosophy powers everything we do at Abdul Latif Jameel Energy \u2013 a fact reflected in our global reach now spreading further than ever and our project pipeline increasing to unprecedented levels. As countries in the GCC and beyond work together to harness our region\u2019s superb natural resources, we will be proud to be there at every step.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":13372,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-13370","perspectives","type-perspectives","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Middle Eastern energy mix: a changing landscape delivering a cleaner future - Abdul Latif Jameel<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Middle Eastern energy mix: a changing landscape delivering a cleaner future - Abdul Latif Jameel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For the first time, Saudi Arabia is celebrating being included in the top 40 countries listed in EY\u2019s Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI). The rankings look at a range of factors, including economic and political stability, investment climate, energy market access, natural resource, infrastructure and finance availability. They also reflect a global recognition of [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Abdul Latif Jameel\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-20T08:36:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-panels.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"750\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"356\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/\",\"name\":\"The Middle Eastern energy mix: a changing landscape delivering a cleaner future - Abdul Latif Jameel\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-panels.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2019-05-28T00:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-20T08:36:23+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-panels.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-panels.jpg\",\"width\":750,\"height\":356},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"The Middle Eastern energy mix: a changing landscape delivering a cleaner future\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Abdul Latif Jameel\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Middle Eastern energy mix: a changing landscape delivering a cleaner future - Abdul Latif Jameel","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Middle Eastern energy mix: a changing landscape delivering a cleaner future - Abdul Latif Jameel","og_description":"For the first time, Saudi Arabia is celebrating being included in the top 40 countries listed in EY\u2019s Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI). The rankings look at a range of factors, including economic and political stability, investment climate, energy market access, natural resource, infrastructure and finance availability. They also reflect a global recognition of [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/","og_site_name":"Abdul Latif Jameel","article_modified_time":"2026-03-20T08:36:23+00:00","og_image":[{"width":750,"height":356,"url":"https:\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-panels.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"15 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/","url":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/","name":"The Middle Eastern energy mix: a changing landscape delivering a cleaner future - Abdul Latif Jameel","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-panels.jpg","datePublished":"2019-05-28T00:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-20T08:36:23+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-panels.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-panels.jpg","width":750,"height":356},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/perspectives\/middle-eastern-energy-mix-changing-landscape-delivering-cleaner-future\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Middle Eastern energy mix: a changing landscape delivering a cleaner future"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/","name":"Abdul Latif Jameel","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/10.0.2.222\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"post-meta-fields":{"_wp_page_template":["default"],"_oembed_0bef727d736c2260847ef13bb83d32ee":["<iframe title=\"A Tool to Track Sustainable Energy Policies Worldwide\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pB4-ZCZgMy8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>"],"_oembed_time_0bef727d736c2260847ef13bb83d32ee":["1729242779"],"_published_date":["field_6057129b493f5"],"published_date":["20190528"],"_location":["field_601267396ce72"],"location":["Riyadh, Saudi Arabia"],"_featured":["field_601a3b473c5c5"],"featured":["0"],"_footnotes":["field_66fd39afb9383"],"footnotes":[""],"_business_sector":["field_66f6b5bcac8cb"],"business_sector":["Energy","Environmental Services"],"_content_series":["field_66fe3c439f8f6"],"content_series":[""],"_old_post_id":["field_66fe3fd59f8f7"],"old_post_id":["21106"],"_short_title":["field_60925d67125ef"],"short_title":["Exploring the Middle Eastern energy mix"],"_summary":["field_6019304103a20"],"summary":["<p>For the first time, Saudi Arabia is celebrating being included in the top 40 countries listed in EY\u2019s Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI)<\/p>"],"_mobile_featured_image":["field_66f6b4bee65f3"],"mobile_featured_image":["https:\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-panels.jpg"],"_push_notification":["field_66f6b47de65f1"],"push_notification":[""],"_publish_mobile":["field_66f6b491e65f2"],"publish_mobile":["1"],"_status":["field_652694983fe12"],"status":["publish"],"_thumbnail_id":["13372"],"_wpml_word_count":["{\"total\":2638,\"to_translate\":{\"ar\":2638,\"zh-hans\":2638,\"fr\":2638,\"ja\":2638,\"es\":2638,\"tr\":2638}}"],"_wpml_location_migration_done":["1"],"amazonS3_cache":["a:126:{s:66:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Recai.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13373\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:68:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Recai.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13373\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:76:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/World-Bank-logo.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13374\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:78:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/World-Bank-logo.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13374\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:75:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-Mix-1-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16959\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:77:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-Mix-1-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16959\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:75:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-Mix-2-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16960\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:77:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Energy-Mix-2-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16960\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:81:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sustainable-Tomorrow.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16961\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:83:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sustainable-Tomorrow.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16961\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:70:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/logo_NREP.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16962\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:72:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/logo_NREP.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16962\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:82:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FA10-Fullwidth_body-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16963\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:84:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FA10-Fullwidth_body-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16963\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:70:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/oman-flag.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16964\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:72:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/oman-flag.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16964\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:73:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Oman-scene-2.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16965\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:75:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Oman-scene-2.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16965\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:78:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Oman-Government-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16966\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:80:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Oman-Government-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16966\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:69:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UAE-flag.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16967\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:71:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/UAE-flag.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16967\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:66:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Dubai.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13384\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:68:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Dubai.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13384\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:80:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Dubai_greenest-city.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13385\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:82:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Dubai_greenest-city.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13385\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:77:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Dubai-solar-park.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13386\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:79:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Dubai-solar-park.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13386\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:71:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Egypt-flag.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13387\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:73:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Egypt-flag.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13387\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:80:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Renewables-in-Egypt.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13388\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:82:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Renewables-in-Egypt.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13388\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:98:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Egyptian-government-renewable-targets.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13389\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:100:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Egyptian-government-renewable-targets.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13389\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:74:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Egypt-skyline.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13390\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:76:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Egypt-skyline.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13390\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:83:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bahrain-energy-targets.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13391\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:85:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bahrain-energy-targets.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13391\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:67:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Daniel.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13196\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:69:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Daniel.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13196\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:79:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/power-generation-1.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16958\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:81:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/power-generation-1.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16958\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:73:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Backwell.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13408\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:75:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ben-Backwell.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13408\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:84:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Camp-Erimo-wind-turbine.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13368\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:86:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Camp-Erimo-wind-turbine.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"13368\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:91:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Stephane-Hallegatte-World-Bank.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16810\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:99:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Stephane-Hallegatte-World-Bank-300x169.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16810\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:93:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Stephane-Hallegatte-World-Bank.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16810\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:101:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Stephane-Hallegatte-World-Bank-300x169.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16810\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:100:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Investment-In-Clean-Energy-scaled-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16809\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:102:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Investment-In-Clean-Energy-scaled-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16809\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:83:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christiana-Figueres-UN.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16808\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:91:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christiana-Figueres-UN-300x183.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16808\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:85:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christiana-Figueres-UN.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16808\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:93:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christiana-Figueres-UN-300x183.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16808\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:105:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ursula-von-der-Leyen-President-EU-Commission.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16807\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:113:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ursula-von-der-Leyen-President-EU-Commission-300x169.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16807\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:107:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ursula-von-der-Leyen-President-EU-Commission.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16807\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:115:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Ursula-von-der-Leyen-President-EU-Commission-300x169.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16807\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:84:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Greenland-map-anomaly-1.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16806\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:86:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Greenland-map-anomaly-1.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16806\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:74:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Highest-Temps.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16805\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:82:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Highest-Temps-300x225.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16805\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:76:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Highest-Temps.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16805\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:84:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Highest-Temps-300x225.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16805\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:83:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Statistics-Instagram-1.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16804\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:85:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Statistics-Instagram-1.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"16804\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:102:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Annual-Direct-CO2-Emissions-scaled-1.jpeg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"11570\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:104:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Annual-Direct-CO2-Emissions-scaled-1.jpeg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"11570\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:64:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FRV.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:4:\"8849\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:72:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FRV-150x150.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:4:\"8849\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:66:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FRV.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:4:\"8849\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:74:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/FRV-150x150.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:4:\"8849\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:75:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-7.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20137;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:85:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-7-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20137;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:77:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-7.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20137;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:87:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-7-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20137;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:75:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-8.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20145;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:85:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-8-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20145;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:77:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-8.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20145;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:87:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-8-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20145;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:75:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-9.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20168;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:85:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-9-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20168;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:77:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-9.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20168;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:87:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-9-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20168;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:74:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-bg-1.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20177;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:76:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-bg-1.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20177;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:76:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-10.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20185;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:86:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-10-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20185;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:78:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-10.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20185;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:88:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-10-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20185;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:76:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-11.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20193;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:86:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-11-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20193;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:78:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-11.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20193;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:88:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-11-1024x1007.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20193;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:76:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-12.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20201;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:78:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-12.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20201;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:76:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-13.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20209;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:78:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/wp-block-img-13.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20209;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:69:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/frv-logo.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20217;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:71:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/frv-logo.png\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";i:20217;s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:87:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file_example_MP4_1280_10MG.mp4\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"20006\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:89:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/file_example_MP4_1280_10MG.mp4\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"20006\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:74:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/video-poster2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"20160\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:76:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/video-poster2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"20160\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:75:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Hospital-1.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:4:\"4810\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:77:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Hospital-1.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:4:\"4810\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:78:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cyberdyne-HAL-1-1.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17303\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:80:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Cyberdyne-HAL-1-1.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17303\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:104:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Access-to-Healthcare-Infographic-1-1-scaled.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17290\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:106:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Access-to-Healthcare-Infographic-1-1-scaled.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17290\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:72:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Akram_Print.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17257\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:80:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Akram_Print-200x300.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17257\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:74:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Akram_Print.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17257\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:82:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Akram_Print-200x300.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17257\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:94:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Health-Tech-Wearable-scaled-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17252\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:96:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Health-Tech-Wearable-scaled-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17252\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:91:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Fady-Jameel-Abdul-Latif-Jameel.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17247\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:99:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Fady-Jameel-Abdul-Latif-Jameel-225x300.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17247\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:93:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Fady-Jameel-Abdul-Latif-Jameel.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17247\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:101:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Fady-Jameel-Abdul-Latif-Jameel-225x300.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17247\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:98:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Healthcare-Rich-and-Poor-scaled-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17239\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:100:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/ALJ-Healthcare-Rich-and-Poor-scaled-2.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"17239\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:87:\"\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/alj_health_log_eng_pos_reg.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"10726\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}s:89:\"\/\/media.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/alj_health_log_eng_pos_reg.jpg\";a:2:{s:2:\"id\";s:5:\"10726\";s:11:\"source_type\";s:13:\"media-library\";}}"],"_edit_lock":["1773995833:22"],"content":["<p>For the first time, Saudi Arabia is celebrating being included in the top 40 countries listed in EY\u2019s Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI). The rankings look at a range of factors, including economic and political stability, investment climate, energy market access, natural resource, infrastructure and finance availability.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-21566 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Recai.png\" alt=\"Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index\" width=\"1946\" height=\"1201\" \/><br \/>\r\nThey also reflect a global recognition of the threat of climate change and the need to move towards a cleaner energy mix. That need was reemphasized by a December 2018, report from The World Bank, Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE): Policy Matters 2018, which confirmed a profound shift in the world\u2019s outlook towards renewable energy.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-21567 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/World-Bank-logo-150x85.jpg\" alt=\"World Bank Group Logo\" width=\"150\" height=\"85\" \/>\u201cSince 2010, the number of countries adopting advanced policy frameworks in support of sustainable energy has more than tripled (from 17 to 59). Despite variations in performance by region and income group, there are strong performers in every region and in every income group.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>[embed]https:\/\/youtu.be\/pB4-ZCZgMy8[\/embed]<\/p>\r\n<p>By securing its position in the well-regarded and authoritative RISE listing, Saudi Arabia is receiving public acknowledgement and recognition of the progress it is making in line with the renewable energy objectives it laid out in Vision 2030, its national development strategy. It is also making a significant contribution to the United Nations\u2019 Sustainable Development Goal 7 \u2013 ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals make up the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted in full by all UN member states in 2015.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>A new\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Vision for a cleaner energy mix<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>With its long-term commitments to renewable energy, Saudi Arabia is clearly and publicly on a path to a cleaner future. Its targets include 3GW of electricity from wind and solar power by 2020, rising to 9.5GW of electricity from renewable sources by 2023 and 60GW by 2030. It is estimated that the Saudi Arabian government will invest up to US$ 50 billion across 60 projects in order to achieve its 2023 ambitions. Furthermore, in Vision 2030 Saudi Arabia promises to review the legal and regulatory framework that allows the private sector to buy and invest in the renewable energy sector. Opening its renewable energy markets to foreign direct investment is viewed as a key step in the country\u2019s ongoing efforts to achieve economic diversification.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21923\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Energy-Mix-1.jpg\" alt=\"Saudi Arabia plans 60GW of Renewable Energy by 2030\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><br \/>\r\nYet before a path to the future can be plotted, it is crucial to understand Saudi Arabia\u2019s current energy mix and usage. According to official analysis, industry, buildings and transport account for 92% of the country\u2019s current energy consumption. Buildings alone use roughly three-quarters of Saudi Arabia\u2019s electricity production, with 65% of that (48.75% of the overall electricity production) needed simply to meet air conditioning demand.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21925\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Energy-Mix-2.jpg\" alt=\"Saudi Arabia Energy Consumption\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><br \/>\r\nWith a growing, young and tech-savvy population increasingly moving towards urbanization, the demand for electricity across Saudi Arabia looks set to continue to increase. The challenge, therefore, is to find cleaner, healthier and more sustainable ways to deliver the energy required as the country\u2019s economic development continues to pick up pace.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-21926 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Sustainable-Tomorrow-105x150.png\" alt=\"Sustainable Tomorrow\" width=\"105\" height=\"150\" \/>\"We are part of this world and we live the problems and challenges it is facing. We all share this responsibility and we will contribute, God willing, actively to the development of solutions to many of the world\u2019s pressing issues, including the issues of the environment and sustainable development. We will continue in this regard to work with international organizations, institutions and partners.\"<br \/>\r\n- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz<\/p>\r\n<p>As part of this commitment from the very top of Saudi Arabian leadership, in 2016 the country established the Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REPDO) within the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources (MEIM). Another key pillar of Saudi Arabia\u2019s renewable energy strategy is the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP). This was established to encourage local and international companies to take part in the country\u2019s renewable energy projects. All NREP projects enjoy 100 per cent financial autonomy. In addition, all energy produced is based on an \u2018independent power producer\u2019 model, under the framework of purchase agreements of 25 years for solar projects and 20 years for wind projects.<\/p>\r\n<p>REPDO is uniquely tasked with maximizing the potential of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia and delivering the stated goals of the NREP. Those include significantly increasing the share of renewable energy in the country\u2019s energy mix by:<\/p>\r\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: square;\">\r\n\t<li>Driving public-private partnerships through best-in-class tendering and pre-development practices<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Guiding policy to create a globally competitive and locally-based technology hub<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Contributing to the Kingdom\u2019s energy transition and environmental commitments<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><strong>Saudi Arabia: a welcoming home for foreign direct investment in renewable energy<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>In February 2018, Saudi Arabia awarded its first solar project under the NREP. The 300 MW Sakaka solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the Al Jouf region of northern Saudi Arabia broke ground in November 2018. It is expected to create more than 400 job opportunities.<\/p>\r\n<p>His Excellency Khalid Al Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, said:<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-21927 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/logo_NREP-150x68.png\" alt=\"National Renewable Energy Program Logo\" width=\"150\" height=\"68\" \/>\u201cWhen the National Renewable Energy Program was launched last year, we set a goal to make it among the most attractive and well executed government renewable energy investment programs in the world. After a competitive and transparent tendering process, which saw us receive two world record breaking bids, we can confidently say that we are well on our way to making that a reality, and we look forward to entering the next stage for our National Renewable Energy Program. \u201d<\/p>\r\n<p>This was followed, five months later, by REPDO hosting the bid opening ceremony for Dumat Al Jandal, a US$ 500 million, 400 MW wind project and Saudi Arabia\u2019s first utility-scale wind farm. Like the Sakaka solar plant, the Dumat Al Jandal wind farm will be situated in Al Jouf. It is expected to supply 70,000 homes with clean electricity, with REPDO receiving bids \u201cof between US$ 21.30\/MWh and US$ 33.86\/MWh\u201d for the project.<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p>\u201cThe development of a wind energy industry in Saudi Arabia is an important component of our wider industrial diversification strategy,\u201d said His Excellency Khalid Al Falih.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n<p>Yet these projects, while encouraging in themselves, remain extraordinarily small in comparison to Saudi Arabia\u2019s most ambitious project: a 200 GW solar plant that some have estimated will cost US$ 200 billion; almost triple Saudi Arabia\u2019s electricity generation capacity; and be 100 times bigger than any other planned PV project anywhere in the world, far outstripping 2GW plants in Australia and Greece.<\/p>\r\n<p>If realized, the single Saudi plant alone would produce 33 per cent more energy than the entire global PV industry managed in 2017. The first phase of the project, a 7.2 GW development, will in part be funded by Softbank\u2019s Vision Fund, which will provide US$ 1 billion of the total US$ 5 billion required. Speaking at a briefing in New York after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Saudi Arabia\u2019s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son suggested the project could create up to 100,000 jobs.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21928\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/FA10-Fullwidth_body.jpg\" alt=\"Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Masa San\" width=\"750\" height=\"623\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Opening up a bright future across the Middle East<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>Saudi Arabia is far from the only country to be making considerable progress with dedicated and concerted clean energy policies. In April 2016, GCC states pledged to pump US$ 100 billion into renewable energy projects over the following 20 years. A report by Siemens Middle East, meanwhile, predicts that the share of renewable energy in the region will more than triple by 2035.<\/p>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<p>\u201cA shift to renewable energy will not only reduce the cost of power production and carbon emissions, but also free up more oil for exports,\u201d says M.R. Raghu, Managing Director of Marmore MENA Intelligence.<\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n<p><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-21929\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/oman-flag-150x101.png\" alt=\"Oman Flag\" width=\"150\" height=\"101\" \/>In Oman, the government has committed to a target of securing 10 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. The ambition was laid out in the National Program for Enhancing Diversification (Tanfeedh), with its first large-scale solar PV independent power project (IPP) set to commence operations in 2020.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nIn September 2018, the Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) issued its latest seven-year statement. It detailed how OPWP plans to procure 2,650 MW of renewable energy projects to be operational within this seven-year period (2018-2024) . Six new projects \u2013 three solar and three wind \u2013 will be developed to meet this target. Ibri, Manah and Adam will be the locations for the solar PV projects, while Dhofar (two) and Duqm will be the sites of the wind projects.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-21930 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Oman-scene.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"874\" height=\"358\" \/><br \/>\r\nConstruction of one of the Dhofar wind plants has already started, with Masdar announcing in December 2018, it had installed the first of 13 turbines at the 50 MW facility. The wind farm is expected to provide clean energy to 16,000 Omani homes and could be operational in the third quarter of 2019.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21931\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Oman-Government.jpg\" alt=\"Oman Government Commitment for Electricity by 2025\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Meanwhile, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has announced two solar PV facilities: a 100MW plant in Amin designed, financed, built and operated by Marubeni Consortium, and a 1,000 MW solar facility at Amal. At the Amin facility, PDO will buy electricity for its interior operations at one of the lowest tariffs in the world \u2013 a fact hailed by PDO as proof of Oman\u2019s capacity to drive significant solar PV investment over the coming years. More than 335,000 solar PV panels will be installed on the 4 square kilometer site, providing clean energy for approximately 15,000 homes.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Record-breaking advances in the United Arab Emirates<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-21932\" src=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/UAE-flag-150x101.png\" alt=\"UAE Flag\" width=\"150\" height=\"101\" \/>Long-term planning is also a key strategy in the United Arab Emirates, which unveiled a 30-year energy strategy in January 2017 that aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50 per cent, saving AED 700 billion by 2050.<\/p>\r\n<p>Speaking at the launch of the UAE Energy Plan for 2050, which also aims to cut residential energy consumption by 40 per cent, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: \u201cHe who does not think of energy is not thinking about the future.\u201d<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21107\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Dubai.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"475\" \/><br \/>\r\nIn Dubai, clean energy ambitions stretch even further. It is intent on becoming \u201cthe world\u2019s greenest city\u201d and is aiming for 75 per cent of its power output to come from clean energy sources by 2030.<\/p>\r\n<p>Indeed, through the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the establishment of the US$ 27.2 billion Dubai Green Fund, which provides low-interest loans for investors in the clean energy sector, Dubai is quickly establishing itself as one of the leading locations for renewable energy progress. From the small details, such as plans for every rooftop in the city to be fitted with a solar panel by 2030, through to the grand ambitions of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which will cover 214 square kilometers and house the world\u2019s tallest solar tower (260 meters) when it is completed in 2030, Dubai appears to be implementing a committed and wholesome reform of its energy mix .<\/p>\r\n<p>The Mohammed bin Rashid Maktoum Solar Park is a particularly eye-catching development. Currently, in phase III of its construction, the final impact of this record-breaking endeavor will see it provide power to 160,000 homes and offset 1.4 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2020. These figures are dwarfed by its eventual output, however. The plant\u2019s final capacity of 5,000 MW will offset 6.5 million tons of CO2 emissions and generate enough energy to power 800,000 homes. In October 2018, phase III of the construction was recognized at the Asian Power Awards in Jakarta, where it was named Solar Project of the Year 2018.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21108\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Dubai_greenest-city.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><br \/>\r\nIn June 2016, its third phase achieved a then record bid of 2.99 US cents per kilowatt-hour \u2013 nearly half the winning bid for the plant\u2019s 200 MW second phase, which at 5.84 cents was itself at the time a world record low. Meanwhile, the fourth phase of the development achieved the world\u2019s lowest levelized cost of electricity, at 7.3 cents per kilowatt-hour.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21109\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Dubai-solar-park.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><br \/>\r\nYet these initiatives are not simply restricted to Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, the development of Masdar City is combining new ways of managing water supplies, energy efficiency and waste reduction to create one of the world\u2019s most sustainable urban communities and a \u201cgreenprint for the sustainable development of cities \u201d.<\/p>\r\n<p>More than 450 companies already operate from Masdar City and 50,000 people will live there when it is complete. Its buildings are designed to reduce energy and water consumption by at least 40 per cent. As an early indication of its progress and potential impact, Masdar City has already attracted the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in a 32,000 square meter complex that is the UAE\u2019s first 4 Pearl structure under the Estidama Pearl Building Rating System. It consumes 64 per cent less energy than typical office buildings in Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\r\n<p><strong>Continued advances across the MENAT<\/strong><strong>\u00a0region<\/strong><\/p>\r\n<p>There remain other significant indications of the progress of renewable energy in the wider MENAT region. Morocco (12th), Turkey (18th), and Jordan (29th) are all well-placed on the RECAI Index.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"size-full wp-image-21110 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Egypt-flag.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"100\" \/>Furthermore, Egypt was named 15th in EY\u2019s RECAI Index \u2013 up five places from 20th in the previous listing. It earned specific praise from EY for the way its Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy is \u201cmaking strides towards implementing wind energy in a big way, with plans for wind schemes up to 1.8GW and total capacity expected to expand by 3.3GW by 2027 \u201d.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21111\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Renewables-in-Egypt.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"825\" height=\"338\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Like the UAE, Egypt is targeting major changes to its energy mix: by 2022, the Egyptian government aims to have 20 per cent of the country\u2019s power generated by renewables, rising to 42 per cent by 2032. It has already installed 3.7 GW of renewables capacity, split roughly into three-quarters hydropower and one-quarter solar and wind power.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21112\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Egyptian-government-renewable-targets.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Adnan Z. Amin, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, believes the country could yet achieve even further progress. He said: \u201cBy adopting the right policies now, Egypt could realistically draw 53 per cent of its electricity from renewables by 2030 .\u201d Following this path could save Egypt up to US$ 900 million in total energy costs per year by 2030.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21113\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Egypt-skyline.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"947\" height=\"338\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Meanwhile, in Bahrain, seven key initiatives have been identified to help it achieve its renewable energy target of 5 per cent by 2025 and 10 per cent by 2035, revealed the country\u2019s Electricity and Water Affairs Minister, Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza, in a keynote speech at the Solar Utilities Network (SUN) Forum in February 2018 .<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-21114\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Bahrain-energy-targets.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1123\" height=\"794\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p>Through the joint efforts of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) and Almar Water Solutions, Abdul Latif Jameel Energy is one of the Middle East\u2019s leading developers of clean energy facilities and technology. Their experience stretches as far as Latin America and Australia, and we remain committed to building a brighter, cleaner, healthier and more prosperous future for all citizens of the Middle East and beyond.<\/p>\r\n<p><img class=\"alignleft wp-image-18742 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Daniel-88x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"88\" height=\"150\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/en\/our-people\/daniel-sagi-vela\/\">Daniel Sagi-Vela<\/a>, CEO of FRV, said: \u201cFor more than six decades, Abdul Latif Jameel has delivered a tireless commitment to excellence in everything it does. That same philosophy powers everything we do at Abdul Latif Jameel Energy \u2013 a fact reflected in our global reach now spreading further than ever and our project pipeline increasing to unprecedented levels. As countries in the GCC and beyond work together to harness our region\u2019s superb natural resources, we will be proud to be there at every step.\u201d<\/p>"],"_content":[""],"_wp_old_date":["2019-03-28"],"_oembed_7e9ae8642e0d30ef0a65f63c9979e8a7":["<iframe title=\"A Tool to Track Sustainable Energy Policies Worldwide\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pB4-ZCZgMy8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>"],"_oembed_time_7e9ae8642e0d30ef0a65f63c9979e8a7":["1773995643"],"_edit_last":["22"],"_ame_cpe_post_policy":["{\"accessProtection\":{\"active\":\"replace\"}}"],"_wpml_media_duplicate":["1"],"_wpml_media_featured":["1"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["15"]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/perspectives\/13370","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/perspectives"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/perspectives"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13372"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms.alj3.clients.lemonhq.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}