Arrays of solar panels that help power the Jazlah Water Desalination plant, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is trying to juggle its still vital petroleum industry with alternative energy sources like wind and solar as it faces pressure to lower carbon emissions. — ©2024 The New York Times Company
AT a two-hour drive from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, rows of solar panels extend to the horizon like waves on an ocean. Despite having almost limitless reserves of oil, the kingdom is embracing solar and wind power, partly in an effort to retain a leading position in the energy industry, which is vitally important to the country but fast changing.
Looking out over 3.3 million panels, covering 36.2sq km of desert, Faisal Al Omari, the CEO of a recently completed solar project called Sudair, said he would tell his children and grandchildren about contributing to Saudi Arabia’s energy transition.
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