Research report relased by investment banking company Natixis shows, Saudi Arabia has high potential to capitalise on solar energy – photovoltaic technology and concentrated solar power technology – to drive its economic diversification agenda.
It also pointed to wind energy as a promising front as technological advancements make wind farms more economically viable.
Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 development programme, is looking to produce 30 percent of its energy from renewables.
“The last five years have been decisive for renewable energies in the GCC region. Plans have converted into operating projects and future investment outlook has increased,” the report read.
The kingdom is host to 16 percent of the region’s solar capacity, with the UAE holding 68 percent and Kuwait, nine percent, according to the report.
“From 2016 to 2018, pioneering record-breaking bids in renewable energy auctions in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have pushed down costs and increased the technology competitiveness with other power sources,” it read.
“Renewable energy costs are going through a downward path, incentivising new investment. Well-designed auctions and favourable financing conditions add to the attractiveness of these projects. Local factors also play a role in making the investment landscape prosperous as taxation is low and land and grid-connection costs are minimal.”
While renewables are set to take up an increasing portion of the energy pie, oil and gas are still likely to drive post-pandemic economic recovery, the Natixis report read.
