As of 2023, the energy landscape in Saudi Arabia shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with almost all of its electricity being generated from this source. Specifically, more than three-fifths of the country's electricity comes from gas. In a promising development, Saudi Arabia has started to embrace low-carbon solutions, although they still represent a small fraction, accounting for about 1.36% of total electricity generation. Within this sustainable segment, solar energy is predominant, bringing in 1.02%. While this is a step in the right direction toward reducing the environmental impact of energy production, the journey toward a more sustainable energy mix is in its early stages.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Saudi Arabia?

Electricity consumption per person in Saudi Arabia has been on an upward trajectory, signaling growth in the sector. The latest figures indicate that the per capita electricity consumption in 2023 is 12,712 kWh, an increase of 170 kWh from the previous record set in 2021. This growth suggests a rising demand for electricity, driven potentially by economic development and increased domestic consumption. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation has also seen a notable upswing, with an increase of 103 kWh per person compared to the record set in 2022, pointing to encouraging progress in sustainable energy adoption.

Suggestions

To further expand low-carbon electricity generation, Saudi Arabia can learn from other regions that have excelled in clean energy production. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy makes up over two-thirds of electricity generation, serve as exemplary models for harnessing nuclear power safely and efficiently. Similarly, states such as Nevada have made substantial gains with solar energy, achieving about a third of their electricity from solar sources. By investing in both nuclear and solar technologies, Saudi Arabia can diversify its energy portfolio, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change while meeting the growing electricity demands.

History

Historically, Saudi Arabia's strides in low-carbon electricity have been slow yet are witnessing acceleration, particularly in the realm of solar and wind energy. In the 2010s, there was minimal growth in solar capacity, highlighted by some years with no increase, except minor progress in 2015 and 2019. A significant shift was observed after 2020, where wind began to emerge and solar saw more substantive development, particularly in 2023 when solar electricity generation surged by 3.5 TWh. Such growth, despite being recent, marks a positive transformation in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to expanding its low-carbon energy capacity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade