Climate Changed
Saudi Arabia Sees 7,000 Jobs Coming From Solar Program by 2020
- Three tenders scheduled for 3.45 gigawatts of photovoltaics
- Aim is to cut domestic use of crude, diesel and fuel oil
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Progress Report
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Saudi Arabia is hoping its solar-power program will generate 7,000 jobs and build a local manufacturing industry that can export products to the world, reducing domestic demand for its crude oil in the process.
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources requires bidders seeking to build about 3.45 gigawatts of solar and wind plants by 2020 to spend 30 percent of the capital they invest through home-grown workers and companies, said Turki al-Shehri, head of the renewable project development office for the kingdom.