Developing sustainable energy policies for electrical energy conservation in Saudi Arabia

Towards the end of 1998, the Saudi Arabian electricity sector embarked upon a major restructuring program. One of the aims of the program is to achieve sustainable performance. Although progress has been made, a number of challenges remain, including high demand growth, low generation capacity reserve margins, inefficient energy use, absence of time-of-use tariffs, and the need for large capital investments to meet current and future expansion.     

Load and energy requirements in residential buildings in Saudi Arabia: A comparative study

The load and energy requirements in residential buildings vary according to a number of factors. One of these factors is the geographical location in which the building is situated. Using a detached single-family house, the DOE2.1C load and energy analysis program was used to investigate the effect of the geographical location on the load and energy requirements. Four different cities, namely Dhahran, Riyadh, Jeddah and Khamis-Mushayt, representing four different climatic locations, are considered in this study. The analysis shows that the building parameters having the greatest impact on load are conduction through walls and roof, glazing area and infiltration level. The capacity requirements of the equipment and the total energy requirement for year-round air conditioning were calculated for a house in each city. A comparison shows that the city of Khamis-Mushayt has the lowest energy consumption and Jeddah has the highest energy consumption. The equivalent uniform annual cost (EUAC) method was also used to compare the economic performances of typical houses in the four cities. The comparison shows that the district of Khamis-Mushayt has the lowest EUAC, but the difference between the other cities is not significant. Furthermore, it shows that there is a significant difference between the government's and customers' EUACs.     

沙特钻修井技术

针对沙特油田产层开发特点,介绍了中原钻井在沙特钻井承包施工中采用的边漏边钻、边涌边钻、清水解卡、小井眼钻井、短半径水平井钻井、多底井钻井等先进技术,有效地降低了钻井成本,利用了每口井的资源,大大提高了单井产量,对国内钻修井技术的发展有一定参考作用。     

Modelling industrial energy demand in Saudi Arabia

Between 1986 and 2016, industrial energy consumption in Saudi Arabia increased by tenfold, making it one of the largest end-use sectors in the Kingdom. Despite its importance, there appear to be no published econometric studies on aggregate industrial energy demand in Saudi Arabia. We model aggregate industrial energy demand in Saudi Arabia using Harvey’s (1989) Structural Time Series Model, showing that it is both price and income inelastic, with estimated long-run elasticities of −0.34 and 0.60, respectively. The estimated underlying energy demand trend suggests improvements in energy efficiency starting from 2010.Applying decomposition analysis to the estimated econometric equation highlights the prominent roles of the activity effect (the growth in industrial value added) and the structure effect (the shift towards energy-intensive production) in driving industrial energy demand growth. Moreover, the decomposition shows how exogenous factors such as energy efficiency helped mitigate some of that growth, delivering cumulative savings of 6.8 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) between 2010 and 2016.Saudi Arabia implemented a broad energy price reform program in 2016, which raised electricity, fuel, and water prices for households and industry. The decomposition results reveal that, holding all else constant, higher industrial energy prices in 2016 reduced the sector’s energy consumption by 6.9 %, a decrease of around 3.0 Mtoe. Saudi policymakers could therefore build on the current policy of energy price reform and energy efficiency standards to mitigate the rate of growth of industrial energy consumption, increase economic efficiency, and maintain industrial sector competitiveness.     

The cost of domestic energy prices to Saudi Arabia

The issue of subsidies on domestic energy prices has moved up the policy agenda, most recently as a result of the G20 commitment in September 2009 to phase out such subsidies. However, what constitutes a “subsidy” is complex and controversial. The IEA in its last World Energy Outlook claimed that Saudi Arabia was second in the world in terms of its levels of subsidy on domestic energy prices. However, because Saudi Arabia is a price maker in the international oil market, the methodology used by the IEA is seriously flawed. This paper explains the problems with the methodology for computing subsidies and explains the correct method in the case of Saudi Arabia. It then attempts to measure the levels of subsidy in Saudi Arabia using this methodology. However, while it converts the IEA's “subsidy” of $23 billion into a net “profit” of $5.7 billion, it goes on to point out that the current low price regime is causing problems for Saudi Arabia.     

Potential of geothermal energy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has rich geothermal energy resources. In Saudi Arabia, the studies on geothermal resources exploration were started in 1980. Saudi Arabia is among the most geothermally active countries in the Middle East. The geothermal power plants are not yet installed in Saudi Arabia. Some direct-use low-grade geothermal applications are already installed in the five last years. Some refreshment and swimming pools are already constructed in the Bani Malik-Jizan area. Geothermal energy can be utilized in various forms such as direct use, electricity generation, space heating, heat pumps, greenhouse heating, and industrial usage. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia government has plans to become completely powered by difference forms of renewable energy such as solid waste, solar, geothermal, and wind.     

Need for thermal-storage air-conditioning in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the growth of demand for electrical energy in the rapidly expanding towns, cities and industries, far exceeds the growth of the power being made available. Recently the Saudi Consolidated Electric Companies (SCECO) are facing a shortage of electricity during the summer period mainly due to the high consumption of electricity in the air conditioning sector. The incorporation of thermal energy storage (TES) technologies with a conventional air conditioning system is found to be an appropriate solution for energy-demand management. In this paper an introductory overview of thermal storage air conditioning is presented, comparing phase change (e.g. ice) and sensible heat (e.g. chilled water) storage technologies. The pros and cons of each are evaluated. The suitability of TES technology for the Saudi HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) industry is explored with the benefits to the owner such as: reduced energy consumption; less operation and maintenance costs; and downsizing of the chiller plant and system for new facility; alternative to new chiller installation to cater for increased cooling load; and stored water as a fire protection source. Furthermore, an economic study has been presented to illustrate the feasibility of TES based air conditioning in Saudi Arabia.     

Gasoline demand in Saudi Arabia: are the price and income elasticities constant?

ABSTRACT

The paper investigates gasoline consumption in case of oil-exporting country applying Time-varying Coefficient Cointegration approach to the data from 1980 to 2017. Empirical estimations show that long-run income and price elasticities are not constant and are responsive to price and income fluctuations in the period considered. The income elasticity of gasoline demand increased until 2014, peaking at 0.151, following growth in disposable income, before declining to 0.136 in 2017. However, consumers do not stop driving when their disposable incomes fall, resulting in a less elastic response of gasoline demand to income. Price elasticities sit in the range of ?0.31 to ?0.05, becoming less elastic when prices are low and vice versa.

The findings of the study may be useful in successful implementation of energy price reforms and implementation of environmental policies.     

Global, direct and diffuse solar irradiance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The regression coefficient of the well-known Angstrom correlation are determined for Riyadh city (the capital of Saudi Arabia) longitude 46° 14′E 24°55′N The relationship of the daily and monthly variation of the fraction of the diffuse solar irradiation to extrateresstrial and the clearness index are obtained. The variation of the values of the average daily global solar radiation against the month of the year is reported. The value of K_n defined as the ratio of direct normal Insolation, H_bn measured in Riyadh to direct normal solar extraterrestrial radiation with the K_T and K_d were obtained. The daily diffused ratio and the daily clearness index are shown as a function of the month of the year.     

Energy analysis of Saudi Arabia

This study provides an energy outlook for Saudi Arabia's energy resources, their production and consumption, as well as their future projections. Crude oil, natural gas and refined products, and electricity are the main energy resources of the country. Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that has the largest crude oil reserves and this is one of the main energy producers. The high growth rates of Saudi Arabia's population and the sectoral energy utilization are the two main factors affecting its energy consumption dramatically. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is not only one of the main energy producers in the world but is also one of the world's largest energy consumers per capita. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The natural gas potential of Saudi Arabia

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has the fourth largest natural gas (NG) reserves in the world. One third of these reserves are located in the Ghawar region of Eastern Province. NG production is controlled tightly due to close conjunction with oil production until recently. KSA’s NG production of 85 billion cubic meters in 2015 from 70 billion cubic meters in 2008 sets an average annual increase of 2.7%. More than half of the annual KSA’s NG production has been accompanied by gas. The Saudi Gas Initiative (SGI) aims to increase foreign investment in the NG development sector through petrochemicals, power generation, and gas development while integrating with salt water desalination. The barriers in the success of motor fuel policies include high initial capital costs, lack of information or skills, less market acceptance, technology limitations, and financing risks. This article aims to review the potential of NG as an alternative to oil and coal in KSA in meeting the country’s high energy requirements.     

Measurement and assessment of ultraviolet radiation in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Measurements of ultraviolet solar radiation (UV radiation) of wavelengths 0.295–0.385?μm were recorded from a huge data set collected every 10 minutes for a long period of time (over 60 months) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Lat. 24°6′?N Long. 46°7′?E). The daily and monthly average percent ratio of UV to global irradiance was discussed. Findings indicate that maximum UV radiation occurs in July (16.6?Wm^?2) and the minimum values occur in December (8.3?Wm^?2). The measured UV intensity in Riyadh was compared with those measured in different regional cities; Bahrain, Kuwait, Dhahran, Makkah (Al-Mukkaramah) and Cairo. The results of comparison were discussed and attributed to different causes. It shows that the data of Riyadh are in good agreement with those of Dhahran and Cairo.     

Analysis of sectoral energy and exergy use of Saudi Arabia

This paper presents the analysis of sectoral energy and exergy utilization of Saudi Arabia by considering the energy and exergy flows for the 12 years between 1990 and 2001. Sectoral energy and exergy efficiencies are obtained for the subsectors and the devices used in each sector. Energy and exergy flow diagrams for Saudi Arabia are also presented, respectively, to illustrate the situation on how energy and exergy efficiencies vary in each sector. The residential sector appears to be the most energy efficient sector, and the industrial sector to be the most exergy efficient. It is believed that the current methodology is useful for analyzing sectoral energy and exergy utilization, which will help Saudi Arabia with energy savings through energy efficiency and/or energy conservation measures. It is also be helpful to establish standards to facilitate application in various sectors and processes for a sustainable energy planning. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A methodology for investigating the effect of a south oriented surface on natural illuminance received on north oriented glazing of a top lighting system under clear sky conditions

A methodology for investigating the effect of a south oriented surface with varying inclination angle in reflecting natural light towards a north oriented glazing of a top lighting system is proposed for use under clear sky conditions. This was done based on mathematical simulation for a top lighting system. Results have shown the importance of the reflective surface in increasing the illuminance received on the glazing of the top lighting system.     

Applications of Thermal Energy Storage in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system typically accounts for 65% of the total electrical energy consumption in buildings. This is due to a very high ambient temperature which persists for a long period of time in a summer season. Moreover, gas turbines efficiency decrease also with the high ambient temperatures. In the HVAC industry cool storage, or commonly known as Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is the most preferred demand side management (DSM) technology for shifting cooling electrical demand from peak daytime periods to off‐peak night‐time. The most popular and well‐suited TES concept for Saudi Arabia is either chilled water or ice storage system, depending upon the applications and the required storage capacity. This paper shows how TES offers a means of reducing the electrical demand in large commercial buildings. Additionally, it is seen that efficiencies of the air cooled chillers are increased if they run overnight. Similarly efficiencies of gas turbine is also increased when a TES based pre‐cooled air is used as an inlet to the turbine. This paper also discusses favouring conditions and other aspects of cool storage applications in Saudi Arabia. TES economics are considered and a cost analysis is presented to illustrate the potential savings that can be achieved by the use of TES in Saudi Arabia. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Optimization of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal in Saudi Arabia

Municipal solid waste (MSW) mainly comprises organics, paper, glass, plastics, metals, wood, etc. Rapid industrialization, high population growth rate, and fast urbanization have resulted in increased levels of pollution and MSW in Saudi Arabia. The amount of waste has been steadily increasing due to increasing human population and urbanization. Recovery refers to materials removed from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling and/or composting. There are various options available to convert solid waste to energy. Mainly, the following types of technologies are available: (1) sanitary landfill, (2) incineration, (3) pyrolysis, (4) gasification, and (5) anaerobic digestion. An integrated MSW disposal policy comprises (1) reduction of MSW source, (2) reuse of MSW, (3) recycling of MSW, (4) landfill and gas-to-energy conversion, and (5) MSW-to-energy conversion. Traditionally, MSWs have been disposed in landfills. Landfill is the most inexpensive waste disposal option. The main MSW disposal policies and barriers have been concluded in this study.     

Wind energy resource assessment for five locations in Saudi Arabia

The analysis of recently collected wind data at five sites in Saudi Arabia namely, Dhulum, Arar, Yanbu, Gassim and Dhahran is presented. The five sites represent different geographically and climatologically conditions. The data collected over a period spanned between 1995 and 2002 with different collection periods for each site. Daily, monthly and frequency profiles of the wind speed at the sites showed that Dhulum and Arar sites have higher wind energy potential with annual wind speed average of 5.7 and 5.4 m/s and speeds higher than 5 m/s for 60 and 47% of the time, respectively. The two sites are candidates for remote area wind energy applications. The costal site's, i.e. Yanbu and Dhahran wind speed data indicated that the two sites have lower annual wind speed averages and wind blows at speed higher than 5 m/s during afternoon hours. That makes the two sites candidates for grid connected wind systems for electrical load peak shaving. The data of Gassim site showed that the site has the lowest wind energy potential compared to the others. The annual energy produced by a Nordex N43 wind machine is estimated to be 1080, 990, 730, 454 and 833 MWh for Dhulum, Arar, Yanbu, Gassim and Dhahran, respectively. The analysis showed that the estimated annual energy produced by the machine based on 10 min averaged data is 2.5% higher than the estimated energy based on 30 min averaged data.     

Modelling of weather characteristics and wind power in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia

In this work, the weather conditions and wind power in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia over a period of 36 years (1961–1996) are studied and modelled. The study involves temperature, relative humidity, fog, wind speed, wind power and dust storms. A regression analysis is carried out by using the linear regression technique to model the weather parameters. The models developed can be used in any study related to weather and its effect on the environment and energy. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Performance and development of PV - plant for water pumping and desalination for remote area in Saudi Arabia

PV plant for water pumping and desalination in remote area has been implemented; the plant was the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. The design of PV plant was based on the specification of the site, the depth and quality of water, the daily water quantity produced and the autonomy period of the plant during cloudy conditions as well as other local climatic conditions. The plant has two main PV separate systems, first, PV water pumping system which is characterized by storing the water in two storage tanks and without electric energy storage, second, PV system for the operation of the reverse osmosis unit (water desalination), this system is characterized by the storage of electric energy (batteries). The storage batteries are used to supply the required electric power to the equipment in the plant, during night and cloudy weather. The batteries capacity is designed to be sufficient for 5 days autonomy. In order to make the operation and maintenance of the PV plant highly reliable, the design is based on the selection of equipment which are commonly available in the local market. The head of the submersible pump is 50 m from surface level, and the amount of water production from Reverse Osmosis Unit is about 600 liters per hour. The total installed PV capacity for pumping system is 980 Wp, and for desalination system is 10. 89 kWp.     

Cost,footprint, and reliability implications of deploying hydrogen in off-grid electric vehicle charging stations: A GIS-assisted study for Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

For the first time, we quantify cost, footprint, and reliability implications of deploying hydrogen-based generation in off-grid electric vehicle charging stations (CS) using an optimization model coupled with a geographic information system (GIS) analysis for the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We also account for the challenges associated with wind energy deployment as a candidate generation technology within city centers. The analysis was restricted to carbon-free technologies: photovoltaics (PV), wind, battery, and hydrogen fuel-cells. At current prevailing technology costs, hydrogen can reduce the required footprint of off-grid CSs by 25% at a small incremental cost increase without impacting the charging reliability. By 2030, however, hydrogen will simultaneously provide the footprint and cost advantages. If we allow as little as 5% of the annual load to be unmet, the required footprint of the CS decreases by 60%. The levelized cost of energy values for the CS by 2030 can range between 0.13 and 0.20 $/kWh depending on learning-curve assumptions. The footprints calculated are then mapped to five land parcel categories in Riyadh: gas station, hospital, mall, school, and university. Incorporating hydrogen in CS design increases the number of parcels that could accommodate CSs by 15–45% via reducing the required PV array (i.e., footprint).