Running head: THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY

The Natural Source of Energy Hadeel Al-Gallaf Dhahran Ahliyya Achools Mrs. Sandra Paetkau

THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY Abstract This research paper explores the beneficial side of incorporating solar panel technology to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It also answers why Saudi Arabia has

not yet integrated this technology in its system, and explains why Saudi Arabia needs to provide a balance between energy sources rather than depend solely on fossil fuels. This research tackles the issue in a problem-solving technique by posing commonly faced obstacles by people when it comes to solar technology, and offers strategies to overcome each problem. After conducting a survey, the results show that only 44% of the people do not use solar panels due to the lack of knowledge. Part of the purpose of this research paper, then, is to introduce and promote the use of photovoltaic solar panels in Saudi Arabia and start adopting this technology to maximize the benefits in the shortest period of time. "Saudi Arabia is determined to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons," said Wail Bamhair, the project manager for the Saudi team that visited NREL. "Renewable energy isn't just an option, but absolutely necessary. We have the means to build renewable energy, and we need to do it."

THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY The Natural Source of Energy I have always disliked it when someone has a gift and throws it to waste, and

since I loved using technology to solve my problems, Ive decided to implement what I like and believe in to make a change in my country. Saudi Arabia has the greatest opportunity to benefit from solar energy, yet, it is not utilized efficiently or wisely. Oil reserves are not renewable and will be available only for limited time. Therefore, it is mandatory to search for other alternatives in terms of energy, such as solar power. Solar power is a type of renewable source of energy that we have recently tapped into; it may easily become the most important energy of Saudis future as it has the potential to benefit the economy and society. Solar power is a way that produces energy by converting the suns electromagnetic radiations into electrical power that can power any device using solar energy technologies, such as solar panels. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic, are made from layers of semiconducting material that absorbs the sunlight to convert it to energy. In order to establish an appropriate mechanism or strategies for the market introduction of solar technology in the Kingdom, credible information on demand and resources, technologies and applications are essential. The present studies provide such information for strategic development in the Kingdom with the goal of achieving a long-term sustainable solar energy sector contribution to the Kingdoms economy.

Methods Section: To serve the purpose of my research and gather my own information, I conducted a survey that consists of nine questions targeting people from all ages to know about to what extent have knowledge about solar energy. To gather more

THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY information and target more people; I made an Arabic version of the survey. The survey also measured the publics knowledge about using solar energy to generate

electricity, and identified the reasons behind the lack of usage of the solar technology. I also interviewed Saeed Al-Qatari, an electrical engineer working in Saudi Aramco, asking him a series of questions about how might the introduction of solar technology benefit the country and what might be some possible solutions to increase its usage and promote it.

Claim 1: The benefits that solar power provides to the society: Solar energy can provide an active way of tackling the energy related and economic challenges, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is facing. Solar power will improve and benefit our society in many ways. The recent unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia has reached 11.7% of the total population (Latest statistical releases, 2012). The introduction of photovoltaic (PV) can increase the local job opportunities by providing chances for unemployed people to work in solar panel stations. Even the illiterate can contribute to such work by simple training to take care of the panels and keep them clean regularly. A statistic that has been done by a company named Mosaic, shows that last years fossil fuels industry has cut 3,875 jobs. However, solar power has created around 14,000 job opportunities (Mosaic, 2013). The solar power market has created various job opportunities such as PV engineers, researchers, solar installers, salesmen and many other jobs in the fields of human resources, sales, communications, marketing, public relations,... etc. As a result, the Saudi society is the one to benefit from creating a solar power market, because the unemployment rate will definitely decrease by providing people more jobs.

THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY Due to Saudis desert climate conditions, the Kingdom offers attractive opportunities for long term investment by solar power manufacturers. Solar thermal companies will find desirable business conditions in the Kingdom, but require a domestic market to set up operations (Al-Gallaf, 2013). Thus, the establishment of a

domestic solar market is essential (KICP, 2009). Saudi arabias location offers a solar potential with an approximate value of 6,966,439,615 MWh/year (Saudi Arabia: Energy Resources,2008). Knowing that 1000 MW of energy is enough to provide electricity for 200,000 homes, it is estimated that Saudi could provide electrical power for up to 1.4 trillion homes. The country can provide this technology to poor families who cannot afford electricity bills and electrical gadgets. Using a diverse energy sources will allow the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to export more oil, rather than using it to generate power on its own nation. The Finance Ministry government expected 2013 oil revenue of 829 billion riyals. However and according to the Kingdoms department of statistics and information, last years expenditure has reached 853 billion riyals thus exceeding the 690 billion-riyal budget target announced a year ago (Carey,2012). When Saudi has the ability to export more crude oil, the oil revenue will increase dramatically, allowing the Kingdom to spend the extra money in various things. King Abdullah pledged more than $500 billion on social welfare and to build projects to ensure that the country remains unscathed by the kind of political unrest that swept through other Arab countries in the past two years. He is using oil money to fight high unemployment and to build schools and hospitals. The budget has more than doubled in size since 2006 (Carey, 2012). Budget appropriations will continue to focus on investment programs that enhance strong long-term sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities

THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY for citizens, the Finance Ministry said. The focus will be on education, health, social services, security services, municipal services. Hence, the countrys income will rise dramatically causing the expenditure money to increase, which gives more chance to improve and spend more on other aspects.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabias income will increase by decreasing the use of oil and capitalizing on using solar energy. This will directly benefit the nation and increase its chances in becoming a more developed country. The increase in the income will give Saudi Arabia the chance to eliminate any poverty in the country and improve any undesirable aspects within the country, such as the roads. It can also increase citizens salaries and subsequently causing the people to live in a higher standard. Using solar panels to generate power is really advantageous thing to do, especially when it comes to Saudi Arabia because the country is aiming to meet 10% of the global petrochemical demand with natural gas as primary feedstock by 2015 (Preston, 2012). Saudi also intends to produce solar power that is equivalent to four times the global demand for electricity by 2020. In 2013 Khadraoui wrote in Your Middle East, an online magazine, Saudi Arabias accessibility to both wind and solar radiation make it an excellent candidate to fulfill its renewable energy goals and diminish, if not completely erase, its dependency on fossil fuels. In order for Saudi to reach its goals in terms of power and energy, it needs to start planning and investing in the solar technology sooner rather than later. By using solar-powered energy, Saudi citizens will reduce the amount of consumed electricity, and by that, Saudi citizens will no longer spend that much money paying electricity bills. Dr. Abdullah Al-Shehri, governor of the Electricity and Co-generation Regulatory Authority, warned that the Kingdoms electricity-peak

THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY demand would rise from 46,000 MW in 2010 to triple the amount in 2032 to reach 120,000 MW. It really means that Saudi will continue to increase its electricity consumption in the upcoming years, and that is not promising; because it indicates that Saudi will increase its dependency on petrochemicals and other non-renewable sources of energy. Rationalization on electricity consumption is considered as a civilized phenomenon. The more advanced the country, the more rational its electricity consumption it is. In 2008, Saudi Arabia was ranked as the 5th largest consumer of primary energy, and 60% of the consumed energy is oil and gas based (Preston, 2012). It is measured that Saudi Arabia consumed approximately 3 million barrels per day of oil in 2012, almost double 2000 levels, because of strong industrial growth and subsidized prices (Eia,2013). Khalid Al-Faleh warned that domestic liquids demand

was on a pace to reach over 8 million bbl/d by 2030 if there were no improvements in energy efficiency. When using solar energy, the citizens can reduce the amount paid to their local electricity supplier and subsequently will not suffer from money shortage or exceeding their monthly payments. In addition, photovoltaic costs nothing after purchasing the right equipment. Saudi people can invest their money in more important things, such as education and fulfill their needs or even save money for future when needed. Not only that, but solar panels saves backup power for emergency times when the electricity goes down. The more solar panels are used to generate power; the less dependency on non-renewable sources of power. This will further relief the demand pressure on electricity from grid during peak usage, which is mostly during the summer days

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(Sinclair, 2013). Because people will not use the grid electricity often as much as they are now. Photovoltaic is not only helps Saudi people or Saudi as a country, but it also contributes to help the world to achieve a healthy environment and ecosystem. It reduces the daily emission of greenhouse gases by reducing our reliance on methods that produce carbon dioxide. Saudi Arabia ranks 14th among nations based on 2008 fossil fuel CO2 emissions with 118 million metric tons of carbon (Boden, T.A., G. Marland, and R.J. Andres., 2011.). It is no longer a region crisis, rather, it is affecting the world as a whole. Photovoltaic has been approved to be the cleanest powergenerating technology available yet. In addition to that, it is renewable, does not produce any noise, and prevents hazardous waste of energy and money. Building solar panel stations costs less than building electric power generation plants. Moreover, electric generation plants contribute to pollute the environment. (Sinclair, 2013). Derek Burston, director of the UK-based Bowmedia, which organized Gulf Sol 2013, said "Over the years, solar power has been acknowledged as the most promising source of renewable energy and GCC governments have demonstrated their keenness to shift from traditional energy sources to these low-cost and abundant alternatives,". Considering all the above advantages of solar energy through Photovoltaic technology, Saudi Arabia has the means to shift gradually from using traditional electricity to renewable and environmental friendly electricity. There are several reasons to why Saudi Arabia is not using solar power proficiently right now. One of the biggest obstructions is the initial high capital cost systems and installation. However, it is important to put in mind that solar systems only cost the customer at the beginning, and other than that, it will cost him nothing later other than minor maintenance charges. It can be really easy to eradicate this

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problem easily by allowing customers to pay by monthly installments making it more likely for the customer to buy them. Claim 2: The most important obstructions that face solar customers. Claim 3: What can be done to overcome the obstacles and promote using solar panels. There are several reasons to why Saudi Arabia is not using solar power proficiently right now. One of the biggest obstructions is the initial high capital cost systems and installation. However, it is important to put in mind that solar systems only cost the customer at the beginning, and other than that, it will cost him nothing later other than minor maintenance charges. It can be really easy to eradicate this problem easily by allowing customers to pay by monthly installments making it more likely for the customer to buy them. Its been argued that the problem with solar power is that it is only available during sunny days. In fact, solar panels can still provide you with energy even on cloudy days, however, with less effectiveness. When it comes to Saudi Arabia, the medium cloud coverage ranges between 0% (clear sky) to 25% (mostly clear sky) (Average Weather For Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2011), which is considered as a factor that stands in favor of the customers. The Saudi weather is cloudiest starting from the month of December until April with 55% of the time mostly clear, which is less than 2.5 months with maximum 25% that the solar system will be less effectiveness. Another problem that is faced when using solar power at homes is when the sun is down or nighttime. Solar panels do not work at night or complete absence of the sun, which is why it is necessary to have a diversity in energy sources. In addition, battery backup systems can be used to save the abundant energy that is being produced during the day to make sure that the user can benefit from it. The sun shines at the times when most of human activity take time. As humans, their daily activities

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follows the sun's movement. The amount of electric use during the day is greater than what it is at night (Donner, 2014), and this leads to increase the electricity produced solar panels value. Alongside the issues that have been mentioned, the one that has the biggest impact and lead to limitations in use of solar technology, is the lack of knowledge on how to use them. According to the survey I conducted 44% of people mentioned that the lack of knowledge on how to use this type of technology is the main reason to why they are not using such devices. It may go back to the fact that they have never seen a solar system that works in action, or they never been exposed to the proper technique and instructions. Consequently, an accurate information and demonstration should be presented in workshops, seminars, and lectures. Advertisements should take place to spread awareness and knowledge. It is also known that solar panels acquire a massive land space to gather sunrays. It is a fact that Saudi has a small population considering the landscape it owns (Latest statistical releases, 2012). Saudi Arabia owns a wide and empty spaces of land that can be exploited to contribute to the application and use of solar technology and to be more eco-friendly, the panels can be as well assembled on the roofs. The panels dont need to be fixed in a particular angle in order for them to work, although it is better adjust them on a 45 angle to collect more sun rays; It is totally fine if they were attached flat (Bennett, 2012). One of the questions of the survey that I have conducted found that 45% of people complained about how PV are not efficient as regular electrical power. It is true; however, there is more to this truth. Solar energy is less efficient but can do the job. Saudi Aramco has invested in Showa Shell solar technology into one of its buildings and it assuredly provides enough electricity to power the entire building.

THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY Showa Shell is a technology that specializes in solar cell making by using

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different materials such as copper, indium and selenium. Although these materials are not as efficient as regular solar cells that are made from polysilicon, they are cheaper. If high price is the main issue preventing companies from producing solar power panels, investing in the Showa Shells technology is the first step for Saudi to accomplish diverse sustainable energy sources. This new technology is estimated to save an equal amount of 28,000 barrels of diesel (Preston, 2012). Saudi Aramco has invested in this technology by installing it in Al-Midra tower facility in Dhahran. These thin solar panels were installed on 4,450 parking lots, and they have the capacity of 10.5MW. They supply the whole building with all the electrical power needed and much more. This project has generated 8,498 MWh of solar-generated electricity since it was assembled (Edelman, 2013). The days of reliable and inexpensive domestic natural gas are long gone," observed Fahid Fotuhi, president of the Emirates Solar Industry Association. Solar photovoltaic systems dropped their prices to less than the half during that last five years. (Saudi Arabia, Emirates lead charge on Mideast solar power, 2013). The dramatic drop in photovoltaic systems prices eliminates one of the biggest barrier that every customer is facing when consider using solar power. Saudi Arabia must aim to maximize the benefits of its hydrocarbon wealth and to enhance infrastructure development project that will be undertaken in different areas of the kingdom over the next few years. It is believed that now is the appropriate time to invest in developing capabilities in the field of renewable energy in order to secure the countrys future for a sustainable economy and to address its rapidly-growing energy needs. The drive towards renewable energy in Saudi Arabia should not regarded as being a luxury but rather a must, as a sign of good governance,

THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY concern for the environment and prudence in oil-production policy. In the previous years, it has become quite common to read headlines such as Arizona the Saudi Arabia for Solar Power. It is my hope that 2014 will be the year of the real Saudi Arabia of Solar Power.

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THE NATURAL SOURCE OF ENERGY http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-29/saudi-arabia-boosts-2013spending-in-record-budget-state-tv.html Clough, L. D. (2013, 5 11). Energy profile of Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from The Encyclopedia Of Earth: http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/152525/

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Cunningham, K. (2013, 6 7). Harnessing the Power of the Sun: Saudi Arabia Builds Massive Solar Farm. Retrieved from Our Planet: http://ourplanet.infocentral.state.gov/tag/solar-power/ Energy Saving Trust in UK. (2013, 1 27). Retrieved from How is solar power bad the enviroment: http://www.energysavingtrust.org/uk/generatingenergy/choosing-a-renewable-technology/solar-panel-PV Humaid, M. S. (2012). Saudi Aramco Al Midra Project. Retrieved from Solar Frontier: http://www.solar-frontier.com/eng/casestudies/caselist/C002270.html Khadraoui, W. (2013, 6 9). Renewable energy in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from Your Middle East: http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/columns/article/renewableenergy-in-saudi-arabia_12825 KSA Solar Policies and Standards. (2013). Retrieved from Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association: http://saudi-sia.com/?page_id=98 Latest statistical releases. (2012). Retrieved from Central Department of Statistics & Information: http://www.cdsi.gov.sa/english/ Latham, S. (2012, 7 11). Renewable Energy. Retrieved from Our Planet: http://ourplanet.infocentral.state.gov/tag/solar-power/ MEZA, E. (2013, 9 25). Saudi solar plans taking shape. Retrieved from PV Magazine - photovoltaic market & technology: http://www.pvmagazine.com/news/details/beitrag/saudi-solar-plans-takingshape_100012837/#ixzz2lNIiMYct

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Preston, M. (2012, 1 15). Renewable energy in Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from Norton Rose Fulbright: http://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/knowledge/publications/61454/renewable -energy-in-saudi-arabia/ Saudi Arabia - Energy Efficiency Report. (2011, 1). Retrieved from ABB: http://www05.abb.com/global/scot/scot316.nsf/veritydisplay/f90e53733342b4 72c125786400519e97/$file/saudi%20arabia.pdf Saudi Arabia Fossil-Fuel CO2 Emissions. (2012, 09 26). Retrieved from cdiac: http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/emis/tre_sau.html Saudi Arabia, Emirates lead charge on Mideast solar power. (2013, 11 1). Retrieved from UPI: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/EnergyResources/2013/11/01/Saudi-Arabia-Emirates-lead-charge-on-Mideast-solarpower/UPI-75271383333106/ Saudi Arabias 2013 Budget Continues Focus on Investmen. (2013, 12 19). Retrieved from U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council: http://www.ussabc.org/custom/news/details.cfm?id=1380#.UrPpOvQW3dm Shaahid, S. (2007). Wind resource assessment of eastern coastal . Retrieved from ScienceDirect: http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/hartford/users/papers/engr/ernesto/farrew2/Project/res earch/30EDBB39d01.pdf Sirinivasan, R. (2007). Energy. Retrieved from ScienceDirect: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0360544286901519 SOLAR POWER BENEFITS. (2012). Retrieved from Viva Solar : http://www.vivasolar.com/solarpowerbenefits.html

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Sullivan, K. (2013, 1 1). Saudi Arabia's riches conceal a growing problem of poverty. Retrieved from The Gaurdian: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jan/01/saudi-arabia-riyadh-povertyinequality The KICP Annual Strategic Study. (2009). Retrieved from KAUST Industry Collaboration Program: http://www.kaust.edu.sa/economic_development/pdf/kicp-solar-energystudy.pdf Toothman, J. (2012). How Solar Cells Work. Retrieved from How Stuff Works: http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/solar-cell.htm