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Recommendations For Installing VLS-PVs In Saudi Arabia

Very large photovoltaic systems (VLS-PV) are considered to be the best existing solutions in desert regions to solve environmental and energy security problems. Saudi Arabia has already set itself the task of installing 16 GW of solar energy by 2032.

To implement this plan, the government has decided to invest more than $109 billion. It is expected that the introduction of VLS-PV will pave the way for achieving these goals and support the development of a local PV industry that can create jobs and bring significant socio-economic benefits to the desert.

Highlights

This paper presents the opportunities and challenges of using VLS PV in Saudi Arabia. To determine the internal and external factors associated with the development of PV, a methodology for SWOT analysis was conducted. Based on an analysis of the current situation and the expected socio-economic and environmental benefits, a deployment scenario is being developed to provide 9 GW of VLS PV power stations in six different locations within 15 years.

In addition, this is expected to create more than 18,000 jobs. Using VLS-PV will strengthen cooperation with international companies and support the transfer of know-how to local companies and developers in the field of photovoltaics.

Recommendations

According to the SWOT analysis of the current situation of Saudi Arabia and the expected socio-economic and environmental benefits gained by adopting the sustainable growth scenario of VLS-PV, it is recommended as soon as possible to start deployment of VLS-PV plants in the suitable deserts, where the weaknesses and expected threats may be treated as follows:

These findings are described in the article entitled Towards VLS-PV deployment in Saudi Arabia: Challenges, opportunities and recommendations, recently published in the journal Energy Policy.

This work was conducted by A. F. Almarshoud and Elfadil Adam from Qassim University.