JEDDAH: Soaring fuel consumption on Saudi Arabia’s roads has alarmed the Kingdom’s Program for Energy Efficiency, which blames poor performing cars for the problem.
Cars in the Kingdom average 13 kilometers per liter compared with 14 in the US, 15.2 in China and 20 in Europe, according to Ministry of Transport figures.
The statistics show road transport is responsible for almost a quarter of Saudi Arabia’s energy use, with 22 percent of energy use in the Kingdom directed at the transport sector, 90 percent of which goes on land transport.
About 910,000 barrels of fuel and diesel are consumed daily by 12 million vehicles, according to the Ministry of Transport statistics. By 2030, the number of vehicles is expected to reach 26 million, and daily consumption of fuel and diesel will be around 1.86 million barrels per day.
More than 80,000 kilometers of roads are being built to satisfy growing demand.
The National Center for Energy Efficiency has launched a five-week campaign (#to remain) to raise awareness of energy conservation. The campaign, under the umbrella of the Saudi Program for Energy Efficiency, will consider ways of reducing energy use without affecting living standards.
The Saudi Program for Energy Efficiency has been working with international car manufacturers for several years to improve fuel economy in imported vehicles.
Efficiency standards are expected to improve by 4 percent each year to reach 19 kilometers per liter by 2025.
A total of 78 manufacturers representing 99.7 percent of cars sales in the Kingdom will apply the Saudi “mileage economy standard.”
Improvements are expected to save at least 300,000 barrels of fuel and diesel each day by 2030.
Energy watchdog targets cars as fuel use soars in Saudi Arabia
Energy watchdog targets cars as fuel use soars in Saudi Arabia
Acwa signs key terms to develop 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Turkiye
JEDDAH: Saudi utility giant Acwa has signed key investment agreements with Turkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to develop up to 5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, starting with 2GW of solar power across two plants in Sivas and Taseli.
Under the investment agreement, Acwa will develop, finance, and construct, as well as commission and operate both facilities, according to a press release.
The program builds on the company’s first investment in Turkiye, the 927-megawatt Kirikkale Independent Power Plant, valued at $930 million, which offsets approximately 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, the statement added.
A separate power purchase agreement has been concluded with Elektrik Uretim Anonim Sirketi for the sale of electricity generated by each facility.
Turkiye aims to boost solar and wind capacity to 120GW by 2035, supported by around $80 billion in investment, while recent projects have already helped prevent 12.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and reduced reliance on imported natural gas.
Turkiye’s energy sector has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years, with renewable power emerging as a central pillar of its strategy.
Raad Al-Saady, vice chairman and managing director of ACWA, said: “The signing of the IA (implementation agreement) and PPA key terms marks a pivotal moment in Acwa’s partnership with Turkiye, reflecting the country’s strong potential as a clean energy leader and manufacturing powerhouse.”
He added: “Building on our long-standing presence, including the 927MW Kirikkale Power Plant commissioned in 2017, this step elevates our partnership to a new level,” Al-Saady said.
In its statement, Acwa said the 5GW renewable energy program will deliver electricity at fixed prices, enhancing predictability for grid planning and supporting long-term industrial investment.
By replacing imported fossil fuels with domestically generated clean energy, the initiative is expected to reduce Turkiye’s exposure to global energy market volatility, strengthening energy security and lowering long-term power costs.
The company added that the economic impact will extend beyond the anticipated investment of up to $5 billion in foreign direct investment, with thousands of jobs expected during the construction phase and hundreds of high-skilled roles created during operations.
The energy firm concluded that its existing progress in Turkiye reflects a strong appreciation for Turkish engineering, construction, and manufacturing capacity, adding that localization has been a strategic priority, and it has already achieved 100 percent local employment at its developments in the country.
