KAUST Research Identifies Ten Key Locations For Solar And Wind Energy Storage In The Red Sea

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has pinpointed the top 10 sites in Saudi Arabia for solar and wind energy storage. This research aims to speed up the Kingdom's shift to renewable energy, improve water management, and enhance food security, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom has vast potential in solar and wind energy, making these findings crucial for future developments.

Professor Yoshihide Wada, who led the study, highlighted the importance of renewable energy for a sustainable future in Saudi Arabia. He noted that storing energy for high-demand periods is a significant challenge. The Kingdom's electricity use varies greatly between winter and summer, requiring infrastructure to store energy collected during cooler months for use in hotter ones.

The study explored how transitioning to renewable sources could support water management, aiming for at least half of the country's electricity from renewables. This shift demands major changes in the energy sector, which contributed to about half of Saudi Arabia's carbon dioxide emissions in 2022. Professor Wada mentioned that batteries are currently used for daily energy storage cycles.

For longer-term storage solutions, Saudi Arabia is considering seasonal pumped hydro storage. This method involves storing desalinated water in high-altitude reservoirs and releasing it as needed to generate power and supply water. However, each site for this type of storage can cost around ten billion dollars, necessitating careful site evaluation.

When assessing potential sites for seasonal pumped hydro storage, scientists evaluated several factors. These included evaporation rates of stored water, salinity levels, and the feasibility of building nearby solar or wind power plants. Such thorough evaluations are essential due to the high costs associated with developing these sites.

The Kingdom aims to achieve at least half of its electricity capacity from renewable sources. This goal aligns with efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the energy sector significantly. The transition is crucial as this sector was responsible for about half of Saudi Arabia's carbon dioxide emissions in 2022.

Professor Wada emphasized that while batteries are suitable for short-term storage needs, they fall short for seasonal requirements. Therefore, exploring alternative methods like pumped hydro storage becomes vital for meeting long-term energy demands efficiently.

The research underscores the need for strategic planning and investment in renewable energy infrastructure. By identifying optimal locations and evaluating various factors, Saudi Arabia can effectively harness its solar and wind potential while supporting sustainable development goals outlined in Vision 2030.

With inputs from SPA