In Saudi Arabia, the production of electricity in 2023 remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 98% of electricity being generated from these sources. The most significant contributor within the fossil fuel category is gas, accounting for just over 60% of the country's electricity generation. In contrast, clean electricity sources contribute a tiny fraction of the total electricity production, with solar energy comprising just about 1%, and the overall low-carbon electricity hitting slightly more than 1%. This minor contribution from clean sources highlights the essential need for the country to focus on diversifying and expanding its energy mix to include more low-carbon options amidst concerns like climate change and air pollution associated with fossil energy.

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

Is Electricity Growing in Saudi Arabia?

The increase in Saudi Arabia's overall electricity consumption suggests growth in this sector. Latest figures show that electricity consumption has reached 12,712 kWh per person, an increase of 170 kWh from the previous record in 2021. Notably, clean electricity generation has seen a significant increase compared to the past, with 173 kWh per person in 2023, an improvement of 103 kWh over the 2022 record. Despite this growth in low-carbon electricity, the overwhelming dependence on fossil fuels remains a pressing issue, and continuing to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable energy sources will be crucial for future developments.

Suggestions

To boost Saudi Arabia's low-carbon electricity generation, the country can draw lessons from successful regions that have significantly incorporated clean energy. For example, nuclear energy plays a pivotal role in countries like France and Slovakia, accounting for around two-thirds of their electricity outputs. Furthermore, regions like California and Nevada showcase the potential of solar energy in contributing significantly to electricity generation. By focusing on expanding nuclear and solar energy capacities, Saudi Arabia can make substantial strides in transforming its electricity sector into one that's more sustainable and less dependent on fossil fuels.

History

Reflecting on the historical trajectory of Saudi Arabia's low-carbon electricity generation, there was almost no development in solar energy in the early 2010s, with negligible output until 2015 when solar began to make a minor contribution. The significant strides came in 2023 as solar capacity grew considerably, marking a year of note for its increased presence in the energy mix. Wind energy made a remarkable impact in the previous year, 2022, with the introduction of a significant infusion of wind-generated electricity. This data highlights a late but rising focus on clean energy that illustrates an uptick in commitment toward green energy, yet much more needs to be done to match the growth of electricity demand and the need for sustainable production.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade