Saudi Arabia can achieve clean water entirely by renewable energy-powered desalination, executives say
Kingdom already has several desalination plants powered by renewable energy
Updated 17 October 2024
Marco Ferrari
RIYADH: A nationwide supply of clean water produced entirely by renewable energy-powered desalination in Saudi Arabia is possible, according to top industry executives.
Mohammed Al-Hajjaj, CEO of Engie Saudi Arabia, spoke to Arab News about how advances in technology and affordability meant that fully renewable desalination is a possibility.
“In recent years, we have seen significant advances in energy storage, making it not only feasible and practical, but also increasingly affordable,” he said on the sidelines of the Solar & Storage Live KSA exhibition in Riyadh on Wednesday.
“We anticipate that in the coming years, technological advances will enable the integration of full desalination powered entirely by renewable energy sources, combined with energy storage solutions.”
Al-Hajjaj pointed out that several universities and research institutions in Saudi Arabia were developing technology to achieve fully renewable desalination in the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia already has several desalination plants that are powered by renewable energy — including the 90,000 m3/day Al-Khafji and the 600,000 m3/day Jazlah.
Several more are in development, including Engie’s 450,000 m3/day Yanbu 4 and 570,000 m3/day Jubail 3B.
Significant development is needed to increase the capacity of green desalination in the country, which produced an average of 13.2 million m3/day of desalinated water in 2023.
As well as building solar-power desalination plants, Saudi Arabia has big ambitions to decarbonize its entire energy grid and achieve a 50/50 mix of renewable and gas by 2030.
Francois-Xavier Boul, Engie’s managing director MENA (Middle East and North Africa), echoed Al-Hajjaj’s optimism over renewable desalination.
He said: “With the grid becoming greener and greener, you can see a day where that becomes possible.”
One factor that has historically incurred additional costs for renewable energy systems is large-scale battery storage.
Due to intermittency issues — when solar panels are not harvesting energy from sunlight overnight, or when wind levels fall causing turbines to stop spinning — battery storage systems are one way of achieving round-the-clock renewable energy.
Building large battery systems does add costs, but on a positive note for renewable energy utilities providers and governments looking to cut emissions, those costs are plummeting.
A 2023 report from the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory predicted that battery prices would continue to fall through to at least 2050.
Developers from around the world gathered in Riyadh on Wednesday for the Solar & Storage Live KSA exhibition.
The event brought together global renewable companies intending to cultivate new opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s path to net zero.
With ambitious targets to increase renewable energy capacity, the Kingdom is a fertile ground for developers.
Some of the world’s largest solar projects are being built in the country, including the 1.5-GW Sudair, 2-GW Shuaibah 2, 2-GW Ar Rass 2, and 2-GW Haden.
Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced in December 2023 a significant acceleration in the country’s renewable energy program.
The Kingdom will add 20 GW of renewable energy capacity every year, aiming to achieve a total of 130 GW by 2030.
The new target is a significant step up from the previous target of 58.7 GW. To achieve it, the country’s Ministry of Energy will be responsible for meeting 30 percent of the new capacity, while the Public Investment Fund is developing 70 percent with ACWA Power.
Global leaders at Jeddah conference call for urgent action on antimicrobial resistance
More than 57 ministers, deputy ministers participated in event
Updated 16 November 2024
Arab News
JEDDAH: The Saudi minister of health, Fahad Al-Jalajel, and the president of the International Automobile Federation, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, have urged all countries to develop more effective national action plans to combat antimicrobial resistance.
The primary focus, they said, should be on increasing community awareness of the issue and ensuring sustainable access to essential medicines.
The call was made during a tour of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit following the Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, hosted by the Kingdom in Jeddah from Nov. 15-16.
More than 57 ministers and deputy ministers of health and agriculture participated in the conference which boasted the theme “From Declaration to Implementation” and aimed at developing measures to reduce fatalities from antibiotic-resistant infections, which are projected to reach 10 million annually by 2050 without prompt intervention.
Al-Jalajel emphasized the importance of raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance as a critical element of each state’s action plan. He also highlighted the need for the rational use of antibiotics in both human medicine and food production to mitigate this “silent” and growing epidemic.
He said that the FIA president’s support “strengthens our efforts by encouraging motorsport clubs to collaborate with their governments and public and private institutions in their respective countries to implement our recommendations,” underscoring the significance of the One Health approach in addressing the global challenge.
Ben Sulayem urged 150 motorsport and motorcycle clubs worldwide to support the UN’s international declaration and the outcomes of the Jeddah meeting by advocating for the rational use of medicines and promoting expanded access to the latest treatments and diagnostics.
The World Health Organization’s director general, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed gratitude to the Saudi Ministry of Health and the FIA president for leading the global initiative.
He said: “I am grateful to Saudi Arabia and the FIA for their commitment to addressing the dual challenge of ensuring access to antimicrobials and promoting their responsible use.”
The conference culminated in the approval of the Jeddah Commitments, marking a significant milestone in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance, a critical threat to public health, food security, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the presentation and adoption of the Jeddah Commitments, Al-Jalajel emphasized that they advanced the global AMR agenda with impactful actions, not just for today but for years to come, and said: “It’s time to act.”
He added: “I believe these commitments form the basis of a program that reflects our decisions at the UN. They are critical building blocks for member states and international bodies to take significant action against AMR.”
The Jeddah Commitments help to build upon the political declaration adopted at the 79th UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September, and aim to translate political will into practical, actionable steps.
The Jeddah Commitments include measures on strengthened governance, enhanced surveillance and stewardship, capacity building, research and development, and the promotion of public awareness through educational initiatives.
The commitments further stipulate the creation of a new biotech bridge to boost research, development, and innovation, leveraging biotechnology to address AMR challenges.
Al-Jalajel also announced the establishment of an AMR One Health Learning Hub and a Regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub in Saudi Arabia, aimed at fostering global collaboration and improving access to essential antimicrobials and diagnostics.
He said: “We must continue to grow this coalition of the willing to include a larger community of organizations and individuals that take a stand and act against AMR.” He also announced Nigeria as the host of the Fifth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on the issue.
He added: “To maintain momentum, we propose a stronger mechanism, the troika system, to drive forward action and implementation through 2025 and 2026 until the fifth ministerial meeting. I look forward to working with Nigeria as the newest member of the troika.”
The troika system — a new mechanism to deepen collaboration between former, current, and future hosts — is a lasting legacy of the Jeddah meeting.
The Jeddah event concluded with a call to action by all member states to uphold their commitments and work toward achieving the 2030 goals outlined in the UNGA Political Declaration on AMR.
45-day event celebrates falconry traditions while fostering economic growth
Updated 16 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Falcon Club concluded its auction season on Friday night, generating nearly SR6 million ($1.6 million) in sales over a 45-day event, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The auction, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, drew 165 falconers and featured 50 falcons from 30 locations from all over the Kingdom.
The season’s highlight was a peregrine falcon chick from the Al-Dabdaba area in the Hafr Al-Batin governorate, which sold for SR400,000 on the sixth night — the highest price of the event.
To support participants, the club organized a closing ceremony featuring substantial prizes, including two cars and 20 cash awards totaling SR100,000.
“Our efforts align with the leadership’s vision to protect and promote authentic falconry traditions while sustaining it as a hobby,” said club spokesperson, Waleed Al-Taweel.
“This auction preserves our cultural legacy and creates economic opportunities in line with Vision 2030.”
Al-Taweel highlighted the club’s transformation of traditional falconry into a thriving economic sector, with its auction platform now the Kingdom’s largest official falcon marketplace, aligning with Vision 2030’s cultural and economic goals.
“Our ambition is to make Saudi Arabia the premier destination for falcon enthusiasts and breeders,” he said.
He also emphasized the club’s focus on market development and conservation, including regulating falcon trade and protecting endangered species through sales bans and awareness campaigns.
The finale saw three falcons sell for a combined SR367,000. The auction has become a key marketplace for local and international falcon-breeding farms, offering business opportunities for professional falconers and showcasing elite breeds.
The club provides extensive services to falconers, including housing and transporting birds to the auction site. Each sale is broadcast live on television and social media, ensuring competitive bidding, according to SPA.
The event plays a vital role in preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural, economic and historical heritage while supporting falconry activities and developing the local falcon auction market into a global hub. It also aims to regulate the falcon trade in the Kingdom and protect endangered species.
During the club’s first auction in 2020, total sales exceeded SR10 million. The second auction brought SR8.3 million, the third more than SR7 million, and the fourth SR10 million.
KSrelief continues humanitarian work in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen
Updated 16 November 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) humanitarian activities continue with the delivery of food and medical services in Gaza, Jordan and Yemen.
At the Gaza Strip, the Saudi aid agency deployed a convoy of 30 trucks loaded with 10,560 shelter bags filled with essential supplies allocated for the Palestinian people, and to be distributed through the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization.
In Jordan’s Zaatari Camp, KSrelief clinics provided medical services to 2,483 refugee patients. The internal medicine specialists treated 122 patients suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma; pediatricians received 285 children, while the emergency medical doctors treated 253 patients, among others.
In Hadhramaut governorate of Yemen, KSrelief delivered a new batch of hemodialysis solutions and supplies to the Fatima Babtain Center for kidney failure patients in Sayoun.
Riyadh Zoo returns with new interactive experiences as part of Riyadh Season
Entry is free for all, visitors can book tickets through the webook platform
Updated 15 November 2024
Hajar AlQusayer
RIYADH: Home to more than 1,400 animals from 190 species, Riyadh Zoo is back for its third year as part of Riyadh Season, offering visitors of all ages new interactive and educational experiences.
Beginning Oct. 30, the zoo opened its doors to the public free of charge. Visitors can book tickets through the webook platform and explore a variety of animals in natural habitats that mimic their original environments.
Riyadh Zoo operate daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans 161,000 square meters. (Supplied)
Among the new experiences is “Croc Cave,” where guests can safely observe crocodiles from secure platforms. The “Bird Zone” features a range of exotic birds, allowing visitors to engage with them up close and even feed them. Another highlight is the “Kangaroo Yard,” where guests can interact with and take photos of the famous Australian animals.
A new bird show has also been introduced, where trained birds perform entertaining and skilful tricks and routines, delighting the audience. The zoo’s educational offerings have been enhanced with an interactive farm experience, allowing visitors to learn more about nature and animal life through hands-on activities.
Riyadh Zoo operate daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and spans 161,000 square meters. The venue also includes food stalls and mobile food trucks to cater to visitors throughout the day.
Several rare and endangered animals have been born so far at the site, and the zoo also witnessed the Gulf’s first animal birth by cesarean section. (Supplied)
Located in Al-Malaz neighborhood, it is one of the key attractions of Riyadh Season.
Seung-Min shin, a frequent visitor at the zoo, told Arab News she had taken her son who was deeply interested in the animals’ various behaviors.
“The flying birds and the absence of cages for each animal — where we can go inside and touch them — that’s the beauty here,” she added.
Visitor Fatima Hashim, emphasized the educational value for young visitors on offer, saying: “Seeing animals in real life helps children learn about animals, their nature, habitats, and the different types of mammals and birds. The experience was wonderful … the staff at the zoo focused on teaching children how to feed the animals, helping them have the full experience.”
According to Riyadh Zoo’s website, several rare and endangered animals have been born so far at the site, and the zoo also witnessed the Gulf’s first animal birth by cesarean section.
Riyadh Zoo’s layout includes zones designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities, with fewer stairs and more flat surfaces, allowing everyone to explore the park with ease and enjoy a complete experience.
Riyadh Zoo was originally established in 1957 as a private menagerie for King Saud and the Saudi royal family. It opened to the public in 1987.
How Saudi Arabia is helping to drive equitable energy transitions in Africa
Saudi ‘Empowering Africa’ initiative bridges energy inequality through leveraging the continent’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower
The initiative aims to uplift communities and foster sustainable growth by reducing reliance on imported fuels and building local infrastructure
Updated 16 November 2024
Manal Albarakati
BAKU: As world leaders at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP29, discuss the responsibility of developed nations to finance climate action in vulnerable regions, South-South cooperation is emerging as a transformative force driving equitable energy transitions.
Saudi Arabia has established itself as a leader in this collaboration between countries in the Global South, leveraging its resources, expertise, and strategic partnerships to unlock Africa’s renewable energy potential and shape a more sustainable future.
In November last year, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman signed groundbreaking memorandums of understanding with five African nations — Ethiopia, Senegal, Chad, Nigeria, and Rwanda.
The agreements, finalized during the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference in Riyadh, aim to strengthen collaboration in oil, gas, and renewables, representing a holistic approach to energy development.
“These partnerships symbolize more than economic exchanges; they represent our shared commitment to sustainable growth,” Prince Abdulaziz said at the event. “Africa’s energy potential is vast, and Saudi Arabia is committed to supporting its development for mutual prosperity.”
The five agreements align with Africa’s distinct energy opportunities. For instance, Ethiopia seeks to bolster its hydropower infrastructure, while Rwanda is focused on advancing innovation in oil demand management and integrating renewable energy.
By leveraging Africa’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower resources, “Empowering Africa Initiative,” seeks to provide clean and reliable electricity to underserved regions. (Supplied)
These MoUs also emphasize Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting localized solutions in line with global climate goals.
To bridge the energy equity gap on the African continent, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy last year introduced the Empowering Africa initiative. The project leverages Africa’s untapped solar, wind, and hydropower resources to provide clean and reliable electricity to underserved regions.
This effort plays a key role in improving energy access in areas where electricity deficits hinder economic development and quality of life.
DID YOUKNOW?
• Africa has 10 TW of untapped solar energy and 350 GW of hydroelectric power.
• Continent posses more than 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a vital mineral for green technologies.
According to a 2022 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency, Sub-Saharan Africa is home to 75 percent of the world’s population without access to electricity, making it the most energy-deficient continent.
The African Development Bank recently noted that Africa needs $130-170 billion annually to close its infrastructure gap, facing a financing shortfall of up to $108 billion.
Abid Malik, the geo head for Central Asia at the Saudi energy leader ACWA Power, said the projects associated with the Empowering Africa initiative “aren’t just about power” but also focus on “community upliftment and sustainable growth.”
On the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Malik told Arab News: “By reducing dependency on imported fuels and creating local infrastructure, these efforts provide resilience against global energy volatility.”
African countries also have more than a fifth of the world’s reserves in minerals critical for the energy transition, according to the UN Trade and Development.
Abdul Malik of Acwa Power. (Supplied)
These minerals, including cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, make the continent crucial to the global renewable energy supply chain. Such resources are foundational to technologies like electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines.
Despite this, much of Africa’s value-added manufacturing in green technology occurs elsewhere, and the continent captures less than half of its potential revenue from minerals.
Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of UNCTAD, has warned that critical minerals could create a “development trap” for resource-rich, vulnerable countries due to commodity dependence.
She stressed the urgent need for these nations, which rely on raw materials for most of their export revenue, to move up global value chains.
Saudi Arabia has therefore prioritized partnerships that tap into Africa’s rich mineral resources while fostering localized value creation.
“These collaborations are about ensuring Africa benefits from its own resources,” said Malik of ACWA Power. “The focus is not just on extraction but on building industries that create jobs, generate revenue, and drive technological innovation.”
One such cooperation with Chad aims to integrate solar technology into existing energy frameworks while developing mining infrastructure to support critical mineral extraction. These efforts reflect a forward-looking strategy that aligns African nations with the Paris Agreement while driving economic growth.
Opinion
This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)
Indeed, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change focuses on the development of carbon markets, which are carbon pricing mechanisms allowing governments as well as non-state actors to trade greenhouse gas emission credits.
Under this article, parties can voluntarily cooperate to meet emission reduction targets outlined in their nationally determined contributions. This allows a party to transfer carbon credits earned through emissions reductions to help others achieve their climate goals.
And as financing gaps remain a key challenge hampering progress in the Global South, Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to deploy innovative mechanisms, including voluntary carbon markets.
Riham El-Gizy, the CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Voluntary Carbon Markets Company, stressed the significance of directing climate finance to Africa.
“Only 2 percent of global climate finance reaches the Global South. This needs to change,” El-Gizy told Arab News at COP29.
Riham El-Gizy. (Supplied)
Although Africa accounts for nine of the world’s 10 most climate-vulnerable countries, the continent receives a mere 3-4 percent of global climate finance, according to the African Development Bank.
To boost funding for local African communities, Saudi-backed initiatives, through voluntary carbon markets, are enabling the continent’s countries to monetize their carbon reduction efforts.
“By providing a platform for rural renewable energy projects, we’re creating a pipeline for funding that directly benefits local communities,” said El-Gizy.
This approach not only reduces emissions but also empowers rural areas with much-needed resources, bridging gaps in both finance and energy access.
At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s engagement in Africa is the “Empowering Africa Initiative,” a Ministry of Energy project designed to bridge the continent’s energy equity gap. (Supplied)
Saudi Arabia’s leadership in South-South cooperation offers a roadmap for inclusive energy transitions. Its strategy, spanning renewable energy, critical minerals, and carbon markets, underscores the power of equitable partnerships in addressing the climate crisis.
As COP29 unfolds, the emphasis on South-South collaboration reaffirms that Africa’s potential as a renewable energy leader can only be realized through partnerships that prioritize shared growth.
Saudi Arabia’s investments in Africa showcase how collaboration can drive sustainable development, paving the way for a cleaner, more inclusive global energy future.
