Electricity in Saudi Arabia in 2023
In 2023, Saudi Arabia's electricity consumption is largely dominated by fossil fuels, accounting for almost 99% of the total. Specifically, gas makes up approximately 63% of this consumption. Low-carbon or clean energy sources contribute just over 1% to the total electricity generation, with solar energy alone comprising about 1%. This means that the shift towards sustainable and clean energy is still in its infancy in Saudi Arabia, where low-carbon electricity is not yet a prominent player in the energy landscape. The significant reliance on fossil fuels poses challenges including climate change and air pollution, underscoring the urgency to increase the share of clean energy in the future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Saudi Arabia?
The upward trend in electricity consumption per person in Saudi Arabia is evident, as the latest figures for 2023 show a record 12,712 kWh/person, a small increase from the previous record of 12,543 kWh/person in 2021. Although this growth is modest, it highlights the continuing rise in electricity demand. Notably, the increase in low-carbon electricity generation per person is commendable, climbing to 173 kWh/person in 2023 from 71 kWh/person in 2022. This significant leap forward reinforces Saudi Arabia's potential to expand its low-carbon electricity generation—a positive indicator that cleaner energy production is beginning to gain traction.
Suggestions
To amplify low-carbon electricity generation, Saudi Arabia can draw lessons from regions successfully leveraging solar and nuclear energy. For instance, Lebanon leads with 31% of its electricity coming from solar, illustrating the potential Saudi Arabia could unlock by investing in solar infrastructure. Additionally, countries with significant investments in nuclear energy, like France and Slovakia, generate over two-thirds of their electricity through nuclear power. By adopting strategies from these regions, Saudi Arabia can enhance its low-carbon footprint. Committing to substantial solar and nuclear projects not only contributes to reducing fossil fuel dependency but also paves the way for a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.
History
The journey of low-carbon electricity in Saudi Arabia has seen gradual but promising developments, particularly in the 2020s. After a period of stagnation in early solar developments, starting with no significant increments from 2010 to 2014 and a mere 0.1 TWh increase in 2015, the pace picked up marginally in the subsequent years. Notable is the year 2020, when solar energy production increased by 0.5 TWh, which laid the groundwork for future advances. The year 2022 saw a substantial push in wind energy, contributing an additional 1.4 TWh. The momentum continued in 2023 with a 3.5 TWh surge in solar energy generation, although no new wind capacity was added. This positive trajectory marks a progressive shift towards expanding clean electricity sources in Saudi Arabia, fueling hope for a greener energy future.
