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Region plugs in to electric future

5 September 2024

Commentary
Colin Foreman
Editor

Read the September 2024 issue of MEED Business Review

Saudi Arabia is well known as one of the world’s largest oil exporters. What is less known is that the kingdom is also one of the world’s most significant consumers of oil. 

According to the US-based Energy Information Agency (EIA), Saudi Arabia consumed 3.65 million barrels a day (b/d) in 2022, making it the fifth-largest consumer globally, with a 4% share of the global total. 

Much of Saudi Arabia’s oil consumption comes from the power sector, although this is changing as Riyadh embarks on an ambitious renewable energy programme. Another major contributor is combustion engines in automobiles. 

Anyone who has experienced Riyadh’s traffic congestion in recent years will attest to the fact that Saudi Arabia has a lot of cars. 

In the coming years, the plan is for the cars on Saudi Arabia’s streets to be electric rather than gasoline-powered.  

This aim is supported by key initiatives involving establishing electric vehicle (EV) assembly plants in the kingdom and plants that will produce key components, most notably batteries.  

For Saudi Arabia’s efforts and similar endeavours across the region to be successful, other factors will also need to be considered. Shifting from gasoline to electric will require upgrading infrastructure with charging points installed at service stations and in residential areas. 

Overhauling infrastructure in existing urban areas is complicated and costly, but the region’s governments have demonstrated a clear commitment to making EVs work. Initial success is within reach as the region plays catch up with other geographies that have shown higher EV ownership rates are achievable. 

Looking further ahead, if the region can successfully shift to EVs, it will prove that even the most oil-dependent economies can embrace change and lead the charge towards a cleaner and greener future.

Must-read sections in the September 2024 issue of MEED Business Review include:

> AGENDA: 
> GCC ponders electric future
> Region on the cusp of EV production boom

> CURRENT AFFAIRS:
> Outlook uncertain for Iraq gas expansion project
> Security concerns threaten outlook for Libyan oil sector

INDUSTRY REPORT:
Analysis of the outlook for the downstream sector
> Global LNG demand set for steady growth
> Region advances LNG projects with pace

> SAUDI GIGAPROJECTS: Communication gaps hinder Saudi gigaprojects

> INTERVIEW: Legacy building at Diriyah

> SAUDI STADIUMS: Top 15 Saudi stadium projects

> LEADERSHIP: Navigating the impact of digital currencies on forex markets

> KUWAIT MARKET REPORT: 

> COMMENT: Kuwait’s prospects take positive turn
> GOVERNMENT: Kuwait navigates unchartered political territory
> ECONOMY: Fiscal deficit pushes Kuwait towards reforms
> BANKING: Kuwaiti banks hunt for growth 
> OIL & GAS: Kuwait oil project activity doubles
> POWER & WATER: Kuwait utilities battle uncertainty
> CONSTRUCTION: Kuwait construction sector turns corner

> MEED COMMENTS: 
> Saudi World Cup bid bucks global trend for sporting events
> Finance deals reflect China’s role in delivering Vision 2030
> Harris-Walz portents shift in US policy on Gaza
> Aramco increases spending despite drop in profits

> GULF PROJECTS INDEX: UAE leads slight dip in market

> JULY 2024 CONTRACTS: Saudi Arabia boosts regional total again

> ECONOMIC DATA: Data drives regional projects

> OPINION: The beginning of the end

> BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Finance, oil and gas, construction, power and water contracts

To see previous issues of MEED Business Review, please click here
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Colin Foreman

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