Saudi researchers launch solar-powered cooling project

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Updated 09 October 2020
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Saudi researchers launch solar-powered cooling project

  • King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy aims to prove effectiveness of the technology in an industrial setting

RIYADH: King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) has launched a project designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of renewable energies. Specifically, it aims to show how solar thermal technologies can be used in industrial processes, in particular to power cooling systems.

It is part of the second round of an initiative launched by KACARE, under the patronage of its president, Khalid Al-Sultan, to localize renewable-energy technologies and empower the industrial sector in this field.

This project will contribute to efforts to minimize the risks related to the use of solar cooling technology. KACARE shares the costs of bringing the technology to the Saudi market so that it can prove its effectiveness in a real-world project in the Kingdom.

Developer Green Air aims to prove that locally made air conditioning units fitted with photovoltaic solar panels can provide between 70 and 90 percent of the energy needed for cooling. In cooperation with the Engineering Research Center at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, the company will test its technology to prove its effectiveness using direct and indirect evaporative cooling.

This technology is exclusively licensed and locally made, and meets standards set by the US Green Building Council, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, and the Electrical Testing Laboratories. The project will be implemented in two locations owned by the National Agricultural Development Company and the United National Dairy Company.


Saudi Arabia stops ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base

Updated 11 March 2026
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Saudi Arabia stops ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base

  • Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia shot down seven ballistic missiles, the defense ministry said early Wednesday.
Six of the missiles were aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, and the other was intercepted while heading to the Eastern Province.
Seven drones were knocked down heading to the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter.
Thirteen drones were also shot down in Al-Kharj, Hafar Al-Batin, and other parts of the Eastern Province, the ministry said.
The war, launched by the US and Israel on Iran, has escalated, impacting regional stability and sparking a global energy crisis.
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom, Gulf states and other countries in the region, saying they threaten regional security and violate international law.
The cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via videoconference, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Brent crude hit a historic $120 a barrel on Monday before settling back down to $90 a barrel on Tuesday.
Amin Nasser, CEO of Aramco, the world’s top oil exporter, told reporters: “There would be catastrophic consequences for the world’s oil markets and the longer the disruption goes on ... the more drastic the ‌consequences for the ‌global economy.” 
The White House said that gas prices will plummet once US objectives in the war are reached.
The conflict could stretch on for months despite US President Donald Trump saying that it could be drawing to a close. But Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said it will end when they decide.