The Impact of Adopting Renewable Energy Resources on Sustainable Development in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative View
Hakim Laid Mouloud Benhacene, Asaad Mubarak Hussien Musa
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of using renewable energy resources on sustainable development in Saudi Arabia. The research model was tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), with data collected from 180 respondents with expertise in energy and sustainability, using quantitative research design. The results suggest that hydropower and wind energy significantly contribute to sustainable development in the economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Despite this, the scalability of hydropower is restricted by Saudi Arabia’s geographical and resource limitations. On the other hand, wind energy has become a realistic alternative, especially along the Red Sea coast, where there are consistent wind speeds. Despite the Kingdom’s high levels of solar insolation, solar energy is highlighted more for its potential than it is for its currently measurable impact. Interestingly, the contributions from the three renewable energy sources were not statistically different from each other, suggesting the need to interpret the findings with care and to recognize the specific sustainability tradeoffs of different energy sources. Hydropower is applicable within the Kingdom’s geographical and resource context, but solar and wind energies are scalable and contextually relevant solutions. Therefore, the findings of this study emphasize the strategic value of a balanced and diversified renewable energy strategy to help Saudi Arabia to achieve its Vision 2030 goals and foster sustainable development.