Nuclear energy ‘dangerous and expensive’
Saudi Arabia may face an energy crisis by 2032 because of a possible shortage in oil resources, according to an expert.
Abdurahman Al-Amoudi, professor at King Saud University, gave his somber assessment at a seminar hosted by a visiting trade delegation from Canada.
Simon Kennedy, Canada’s deputy minister of international trade, presided over the sessions organized by the Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association (SASIA).
According to Al-Amoudi, Saudi Arabia, which consumes 35 percent of its oil production currently, may face a problem when it crosses the 50 percent mark. “Despite this fact, the concerned authority is so slow to react while time is flying.”
He said that “there is no much movement on the ground” despite Saudi Arabia possessing all necessary resources to tap solar energy.
Talking about nuclear energy, Al-Amoudi said: “I sound skeptical when it comes to atomic or nuclear use. Of course, production of nuclear energy is the best way to generate electricity. It is clean and sustainable, but very dangerous and also expensive.”
It was Canada’s first renewable energy mission, with its focus on solar technology.
It held several meetings with the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), ACWA Power and other local industry leaders.
In a separate interview, Canadian Ambassador Thomas MacDonald told Arab News on the sidelines of the forum that Saudi Arabia is obviously looking for alternative sources of energy.
The Kingdom is just like Canada, a global energy power, he said. “I don’t think that position is going to change.”
He said: “Both our countries are recognized to have diversified portfolios. You don’t want to be reliant on a particular type of energy supply.”
He added: “Saudi Arabia has tremendous potential in the solar sector thanks to the abundant sunshine as we have abundant water in Canada.”
According to him, Canada has paid much attention recently to the production of renewable energy, such as wind, solar.
“We have developed a lot of excellent technology expertise and capability in the solar sector.”
He said Saudi Arabia has a great ambition to become a solar energy superpower “and we think it is timely to bring Canadians over to have a dialogue with potential Saudi partners to see what we can do together.”
The ambassador highlighted the existing partnerships with various Saudi firms and government agencies.
This mission would work to expand it and build further cooperation.
According to him, the visit comes amid recent reports that KACARE received a request from SEC for the establishment of solar energy plants in Qaisumah, Rafha, Wadi Al-Duwasir, Mahd Al-Dhahab and Shororah.
It was also reported that ACWA Power is seeking to secure or arrange financing for $7.4 billion worth of renewable energy projects.
MacDonald also said that renewable sources generate up to 65 percent of Canada’s electricity. Solar and wind are the country’s two fastest growing sources.
Solar photovoltaic capacity reached 1,210 MW of cumulative installed capacity in 2013.
The Canadian Solar Industry Association forecasts that annual capacity will increase three-fold by 2025.
By 2025, the Canadian solar industry will support more than 35,000 jobs, eliminating 15 to 31 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year.