Solar Power Project Plan 2030, Greatest Energy Source Worldwide by 2050

A 2012 file picture shows a Saudi man walking past solar panels at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Al-Oyeynah Research Station. (Reuters)
A 2012 file picture shows a Saudi man walking past solar panels at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Al-Oyeynah Research Station. (Reuters)
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Solar Power Project Plan 2030, Greatest Energy Source Worldwide by 2050

A 2012 file picture shows a Saudi man walking past solar panels at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Al-Oyeynah Research Station. (Reuters)
A 2012 file picture shows a Saudi man walking past solar panels at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Al-Oyeynah Research Station. (Reuters)

The launching of Solar Power Project Plan 2030 grabbed the attention of a number of energy experts in the world, especially after the kingdom’s announcement that it intends to produce 200 gigawatt of solar energy by 2030.

The purposes of this project goes in tandem with the forecasts of the International Renewable Energy Agency that solar energy will be the greatest energy source worldwide by 2050.

This Solar Power Project Plan 2030 is considered one of the ambitious steps of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman towards the implementation of the Saudi Vision 2030, which affirmed that it would put a legal and organizational framework that allows the private sector to invest and possess in renewable energy sector, as well as urge partnerships between the private and public sector.

This global project would contribute to increasing electricity generated from solar energy, opening new economic and investment channels in the kingdom in addition to providing job opportunities, training and investment in individuals and firms.

Dr. Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed, Vice President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for Research Institutes, commended the efforts of the crown prince in signing a memorandum of understanding to establish the Solar Power Project Plan 2030 as a first step to produce around 200 gigawatt in 2030.

The country’s need of energy is now equal to 75 gigawatt, and the project will enable the kingdom to export the surplus, he added, saying that the kingdom enjoys huge spaces that can be invested to construct enormous power plants.



Israel's Leviathan Gas Field to Resume Operations

FILE PHOTO: An Israeli military ship sails next to the production platform of Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, northern Israel December 1, 2020. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An Israeli military ship sails next to the production platform of Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, northern Israel December 1, 2020. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg/File Photo
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Israel's Leviathan Gas Field to Resume Operations

FILE PHOTO: An Israeli military ship sails next to the production platform of Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, northern Israel December 1, 2020. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An Israeli military ship sails next to the production platform of Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Haifa, northern Israel December 1, 2020. REUTERS/Ilan Rosenberg/File Photo

Israel's NewMed said on Wednesday the Leviathan natural gas field that supplies gas to Egypt and Jordan, shut down nearly two weeks ago due to the Iran-Israel conflict, would resume operations in the next few hours.

Two of Israel's three gas fields - Chevron-operated Leviathan and Energean's Karish - off its Mediterranean coast that provide the bulk of exports to Egypt and Jordan have been shut since June 13.

That left in operation only the older Tamar field, used mainly for domestic supplies.

Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire on Tuesday. Israel's Energy Ministry said that after a security assessment, Energy Minister Eli Cohen had ordered the opening of Leviathan and Karish, Reuters reported.

The ministry said resuming regular operations at the rigs will "enable the supply of natural gas to all customers", the resumption of gas exports to neighboring countries, a rise in state tax revenues, and greater flexibility in managing the electricity and industrial sectors.

Leviathan, a deep-sea field with huge deposits, came online at the end of 2019 and produces 12 billion cubic meters of gas per year for sale to Israel, Egypt and Jordan. That will rise to some 14 bcm in 2026.

In addition to Chevron and NewMed, Ratio Energies is also a partner in Leviathan.