Renewable energy resources and workforce case study Saudi Arabia: review and recommendations

Abstract

Energy is linked to the most economic and social issues which affect sustainable development of countries. To diversify its economy sources, Saudi Arabia has planned to exploit renewable energy sources. The objective of this study is to analyze the resources of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia and the capabilities of their exploitation in terms of human resources. Indeed, studies show that the country has huge resources of renewable energy such as wind power, solar power and geothermal energy. However, the main source for electrical energy in Saudi Arabia is the fuel due to the high quantity of fuel produced. Using renewable energy does not have just economic aspect. Indeed, the protection of the environment and the planet is another objective of such policy. Wind and solar power will contribute remarkably in the energy future of Saudi Arabia. In fact, clear policy established by the higher authority of Ministry of Energy, Industry and Minerals resources, set a target to produce more than 40 GW of electricity from renewable energy by 2030. The renewable energy production chain will include research and development, industrial manufacturing of equipment and higher education to prepare qualified human resources. Therefore, the number of college and faculty of engineering offering courses in renewable energy should increase to prepare graduates able to manage renewable energy projects. Recommendations are addressed in this paper to advance, boost and enrich the higher education and scientific research in renewable energy field.