Saudi Arabia launches massive renewable energy plan
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Reuters said in a report that the plan envisaged the construction of 30 solar and wind projects by 2023.
The projects – that would be meant to boost the kingdom’s electricity generation and reduce crude oil burning – could generate 9.5 gigawatt of renewable energy.
The initiative involves investment estimated between $30 billion and $50 billion, Reuters reported.
On a related front, the news service said the Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih on Monday announced the beginning of the bidding for a project to produce 300 megawatt of solar power.
The project is expected to come online by 2018-2019.
"The energy mix to produce electricity will change, today the kingdom uses large quantities of oil liquids, including crude, fuel oil and diesel," Falih was quoted as saying.
"So the percentage of renewable energy by 2023 (will be) 10 percent of total installed capacity in the kingdom." ■