Electricity in Saudi Arabia in 2023
In 2023, Saudi Arabia's electricity landscape is dominated by fossil fuels, which account for almost all of the country's electricity production, with gas making up nearly two-thirds of that. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources represent a small fraction, at just over 1% of total electricity supply. Solar power, the primary source of low-carbon electricity in Saudi Arabia, contributes slightly more than 1% of the total. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels underscores a pressing need for a shift towards more sustainable, green energy sources to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.
Is Electricity Growing in Saudi Arabia?
Despite a slight decrease in total electricity consumption from its peak in 2017, the numbers suggest a positive trend in the adoption of low-carbon sources. Saudi Arabia's electricity consumption per person in 2023 stood at 12,712 kWh, a decrease of about 119 kWh from the historic record. On the other hand, low-carbon electricity generation has more than doubled per capita since last year's record with solar power leading this increase. Although overall electricity consumption has stagnated, the rapid growth in low-carbon generation is encouraging and should be further pursued.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Saudi Arabia could look to countries that have successfully integrated nuclear and solar energy. With similar geographic and climatic conditions, the United Arab Emirates, which draws a fifth of its electricity from nuclear power, serves as a regional example. Additionally, Lebanon, with over 30% of its electricity from solar, highlights the potential for further solar development. By investing in nuclear power, Saudi Arabia could rapidly increase its low-carbon electricity share, much like France and South Korea have done, while an expansion in solar capacity, inspired by countries like Chile and Spain, could cement its role as a leader in the green energy transition.
History
Historically, Saudi Arabia's move towards low-carbon electricity has gained momentum only recently. Throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, the country saw no measurable output from solar and wind energy. It wasn't until 2018 that solar contributed modestly to the grid, and this increment was notably slow until 2021. However, the past few years have seen significant progress, with 2022 marking the entry of wind into the mix and 2023 witnessing a substantial increase in solar electricity generation. This recent surge indicates a burgeoning commitment to clean energy, setting the stage for more ambitious growth in the coming decades.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.