Saudi Arabia

 

Saudi Arabia relied almost entirely on fossil fuels (99.8%) for its electricity generation in 2022, with per capita emissions four times higher than the global average.

While solar provided only 0.2% of Saudi Arabia’s electricity generation, the country did not generate any electricity from nuclear or renewable sources such as hydro and wind. Whereas, in 2022 its neighbour the United Arab Emirates generated 17% of its electricity from clean energy sources.

Saudi Arabia’s power sector emissions more than doubled in the last two decades, with the increase in electricity demand predominantly met by fossil gas. The country generated 67% of its electricity from fossil gas and 33% from oil. 

Saudi Arabia is targeting 50% renewable electricity by 2030, while the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario sets out a global target of 60% renewable electricity by 2030. However, while it is planning one of the most rapid scale-ups of renewables globally, the path to implementation remains unclear.

 

Last updated: May 2024