Abstract
Renewable energy has become an important element of today’s modern technology targeting high-efficiency energy production. As part of its 2030 Vision, Saudi Arabia is aiming to increase its energy production through renewable sources. The purpose of this research study is to explore the factors affecting public willingness to adopt renewable energy technologies in the western region of Saudi Arabia. This was achieved through an extensive literature review of previous studies conducted worldwide and resulted in the extraction of 19 factors that affect public willingness to adopt renewable energy technologies. Following a quantitative research design, random cross-sectional data of 416 participants using the extracted factors were collected via an online questionnaire survey. Following a dimension reduction statistical approach, key components were extracted with exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis. Five main components clustering the 19 extracted factors were revealed: cost and government regulations and policies, public awareness and local market, environment and public infrastructure, residential building, and renewable energy technology systems. The implications of this research study assist in guiding governments, regulations and policy makers, marketing agencies, and investors to better understand the concerns and enablers of renewable energy technologies adoption from the public perspective.
Highlights
Conventional energy production and consumption is significant for the health of economies, but at the same time causes environmental degradation [1]
The purpose of this study is to identify and explore the key factors influencing the Saudi public willingness to adopt renewable energy technologies (RETs) in the western region, Saudi Arabia
The extensive literature review concluded with the identification of 19 factors influencing public willingness to adopt RETs from previous studies in different countries
Summary
Conventional energy production and consumption is significant for the health of economies, but at the same time causes environmental degradation [1]. Saudi Arabia recognizes the vital necessity of renewable energy application and enhancement to attain energy security and to release some of its production for export rather than local consumption with high subsidies [2]. It has ample potential for solar energy but lags behind other countries due to the capacity of installed renewable energy technologies (RETs) [3]. The feed-in tariffs (FIT) scheme is recognized as being widely used and as an efficient proven strategy for promoting renewable energy by providing developers and consumers with significant benefit [5] Implementing this scheme in Saudi Arabia will prospectively enhance the progress of renewable energy in the region. Using intelligent home technologies to monitor and control RETs will positively enhance energy performance [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
