The energy future of Saudi Arabia is not batteries and photovoltaic solar panels

Abstract

Recently, North European academics claimed that “Saudi Arabia can accomplish a 100% renewable energy by 2040 that is overwhelmed by PV single-axis following and battery storage”. They moreover say “Battery capacity contributed up to 30% of the full power request in 2040 and the commitment increments to 48% by 2050”. Based on geology, climate conditions, and resources of Saudi Arabia, it is clarified as batteries and photovoltaic solar panels are not the best choice for the country’s energy sector. To cover all the energy supply of Saudi Arabia by solar photovoltaic, plus battery capacity to compensate for the solar energy fluctuations, and unpredictability, is not convenient, for both the economy and the environment. Superior results for the environment and the economy may be accomplished by valorising the fossil fuel assets, through the development of high-efficiency plants such as the combined cycle gas turbine plants of Qurayyah, the advancement of innovations for the generation of clean power, counting oxyfuel combustion and carbon capture and storage, and also developing nuclear energy. The development of nuclear power plants may be more advantageous to the economy and the environment than photovoltaic and batteries. Concerning solar energy, parabolic trough solar thermal power plants also along the coast have advantages versus solar photovoltaic, as thermal energy storage could provide dispatchability. Additionally, a centralized power plant works better than many rooftops photovoltaic that will be likely covered by sand, rusted, or cracked after a few years.