Vision 2030 Drives Saudi Global Leadership In Energy, Water And Innovation

Senior Vice President for Research and Development at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) Dr. Talal Al-Sudairy said Vision 2030, together with national priorities for research, development, and innovation, is strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position in technology and innovation. Dr. Al-Sudairy stated that the Kingdom has made clear advances in energy, water, and sustainability.

Speaking during Innovation Days 2026 (ID26), Dr. Al-Sudairy noted that these changes reflect a wider qualitative shift in Saudi Arabia’s scientific landscape. He underlined that the country’s progress supports long-term national goals, while also improving competitiveness in strategic sectors linked to clean energy and resource efficiency.

ID26 is organised by ACWA Power under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, in partnership with KACST and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Hosted by "The Garage," the gathering brings together international partners and innovators under the theme "Innovate for Impact." The event addresses practical solutions for regional and global challenges.

Discussions at the Vision 2030 research and development event focus on renewable energy, energy storage, and water desalination. Participants examine how to speed up the deployment of new technologies, promote open innovation, and apply artificial intelligence. The agenda reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to build advanced capabilities in clean power and secure water supplies.

Dr. Al-Sudairy explained that KACST, acting as the national laboratory, has delivered measurable outcomes. These include extracting water in desert environments using metal-organic frameworks and converting plastic waste into hydrogen fuel within seconds. KACST scientists also transform petroleum coke into graphene to support safer battery technologies.

Further results from KACST’s Vision 2030 research and development work include cutting dust build-up on solar panels by more than 30%. Dr. Al-Sudairy stressed that such achievements raise operational efficiency in challenging conditions. These improvements are especially relevant for Saudi Arabia, where large-scale solar and desalination projects operate in harsh climates.

Strategic Vision 2030 research and development partnerships with ACWA Power

Dr. Al-Sudairy emphasised that KACST plans to reinforce its leadership by deepening applied research partnerships. He said the institution is helping Saudi Arabia move from laboratory research to large-scale industrial manufacturing. According to Dr. Al-Sudairy, cooperation between KACST and ACWA Power serves as a model for strategic collaboration.

The Vision 2030 research and development partnership focuses on key clean energy and water challenges. Priorities include lowering desalination costs, boosting solar panel performance in harsh environments, using artificial intelligence for efficient grid management, and developing power electronics to integrate renewable energy. Dr. Al-Sudairy added that similar cooperative models will extend to emerging sectors.

Expanding Vision 2030 research and development partnerships is intended to give private companies greater access to Saudi Arabia’s advanced national research and development infrastructure. Dr. Al-Sudairy indicated that this approach supports both national priorities and industrial needs, linking scientific results with commercial deployment while maintaining focus on energy security, water security, and sustainability.

With inputs from SPA