Saudi Arabia: A middle east green leader?

Saudi Arabia Energy Plans

If there are two things the Middle East has plenty of, it's sunlight and oil. The region's exploitation of the latter is well known and is the reason why it has so much economic promise and is turning out some of the world's most expensive and outrageous infrastructure projects.

But as pressure mounts on the world's largest oil producers and exporters to diversify away from the dwindling fossil fuel, nations like Saudi Arabia must start to shift their energy focus in order to stay among the big players in the globe's economic future.

Saudi Arabia is perhaps one of the Gulf states taking the biggest steps in sustainable, green policies after looking to enter the world of solar energy with the launch of the first of a three-stage solar power initiative.

Sun in place of oil

The Saudi authorities have also vowed to use the sun instead of oil to desalinize water. Up to now, the more than 28 desalination plants scattered around the Kingdom have had to rely of fossil fuel, most notably fuel oil, to provide power to run the equipment used to extract salt and other minerals from sea water.

At the start of February the UAE Top News media site reported that the Kingdom is now planning to build solar-based desalination plants in order to save on energy costs, as well as be in tune with new environmental polices.

The move could be perceived as a ploy to secure membership in the International Renewable Energy Agency, otherwise known as IRENA.

Plans for a high-speed rail network to carry pilgrims to and from the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Holy Cities of Mecca and Medina also signify the Kingdom's willingness to become more environmentally friendly.

Eco-friendly petrol centre

But, rather ironically, even the petroleum industry in Saudi Arabia looks set to get a green makeover.

The King Abudullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) (pictured above) designed by Zaha Hadid, is aiming for LEED Platinum. To be built in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the state of the art campus will house research and development facilities on energy and environmental exploration and analysis.

KAPSARC's main building is a crystalline structure composed of modular six-sided cells with many connections between them, as well as a series of shaded outdoor spaces, gardens, and underground tunnels. Nearby, a modern library and conference center will aid in the center's quest to become a preeminent energy research center, as described by InHabitat.

The hot desert climate will be cooled by the use of natural shading and ventilation and natural light will be used for interior courtyards and indoor rooms. Solar power will once again be used to power the building and its extensive use of energy-efficient LED lights.

A place where people learn the best ways to find petroleum hardly sounds like somewhere you would find a environmentally-friendly building, but you have to admire the Kingdom's efforts.

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