Saudi Arabia Eyes a Future Beyond Oil
Saudi Arabia Eyes a Future Beyond Oil The New York Times
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Saudi Arabia’s Transition to Renewable Energy
In an effort to maintain a leading position in the ever-evolving energy industry, Saudi Arabia is making strides towards renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. This move aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
Sudair Solar Project
Located just two hours from Riyadh, the Sudair solar project boasts 3.3 million panels across 14 square miles of desert. Faisal Al Omari, the chief executive of Sudair, expressed pride in contributing to the country’s energy transition, emphasizing its importance for future generations.
Renewable Energy Goals
Despite the significant role of petroleum production in Saudi Arabia’s economy, the kingdom is diversifying its energy sources. The goal is to increase renewable energy output to approximately 50 percent by 2030, a target that aligns with SDG 13, which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
- Current renewable energy contribution to Saudi electricity generation is negligible.
- Sudair can power up to 185,000 homes.
- Analysts are skeptical but hopeful about reaching the 50 percent target.
Rapid Development of Solar Farms
Saudi Arabia plans to build solar farms at an unprecedented rate, comparable only to China’s efforts. Marco Arcelli, chief executive of Acwa Power, Sudair’s developer, highlights the massive scale of these projects.
- Acwa Power is a growing force in the international electricity and water industries.
- The rapid expansion of solar farms supports SDG 9, which promotes industry innovation and infrastructure.
The kingdom’s commitment to renewable energy not only supports the SDGs but also ensures a sustainable future for its economy and environment.
Analysis of the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The article addresses the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
The specific targets under the SDGs that can be identified are:
- Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators implied in the article that can be used to measure progress, such as:
- The percentage of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia’s electricity generation.
- The number of homes powered by renewable energy projects like Sudair.
4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030. | Percentage of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia’s electricity generation. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Number of homes powered by renewable energy projects like Sudair. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: nytimes.com
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