Abstract
Saudi Arabia is developing utility-scale solar power projects as a first step toward diversifying its electricity generation mix, currently based almost entirely on crude oil, refined oil products and natural gas. The Saudi National Renewable Energy Program aims to substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the Kingdom’s power mix, targeting 3.45 gigawatts (GW) of installed renewable energy generation capacity by 2020 and 9.5 GW by 2023.