Recognizing sun as the main natural source of energy, with which Saudi Arabia is blessed in abundant measure, it is believed that solar energy is a valuable renewable source of energy that should be fully utilized for the benefit of the country. Even though Saudi Arabia is a leading oil producer, it is keenly interested in taking active part in developing new technologies of renewable sources of energy because of the following: centre dot Saudi Arabia has an area of more than 2 million square kilometers where many remote villages and settlements can benefit form renewable energy applications. centre dot Saudi Arabia has a huge potential of solar energy. Therefore, if a majon breakthrough is achieved in the field of solar energy conversion, Saudi Arabia can be a leading producer and exporter of solar energy in a form of electricity. centre dot Renewable energy sources are considered as supportive to depletable sources of energy i.e. hydrocarbon resources, which were generously consumed and dissipated. It is the Kingdoms view that such exhaustible resources ought to be more wisely used in developing other products more beneficial and useful to mankind such as petrochemicals. This paper reviews and evaluates R&D efforts and applications of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia based on the technical and economical feasibility as well as the lesson learned and the rich experience, which has been gained during the last two decades. It also presents the policy of the country regarding the future utilization of renewable energy sources and their effective commercialization.
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