Saudi Arabia develops renewable energy and prepares for civilian nuclear power — Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia is expanding its energy strategy by combining its oil and gas industries with the development of solar and wind generation, as well as preparations for civilian nuclear power. This is reported by Asharq Al-Awsat in an article about the transformation of the kingdom’s energy sector.
The publication recalls that tests at Dammam Well No. 7 in March 1938 confirmed the possibility of commercial oil production. The well, later called the “Well of Prosperity,” marked the beginning of the country’s economic transformation. Saudi Aramco’s full transition to state ownership was completed in 1980, while the Saudi Arabian Oil Company was established in 1988.
Alternative export routes
Asharq Al-Awsat writes that during the 2026 war between the United States and Israel and Iran, disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrated the importance of alternative export routes. According to Reuters data cited by the publication, Saudi oil exports through Yanbu on the Red Sea coast rose to approximately 4.6 million barrels per day on April 2.
The redirection of supplies was made possible by the East-West Pipeline, as well as oil storage and loading capacities. Saudi Aramco President and Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser said in the company’s report for the first half of 2026 that years of planning and investment in pipelines, terminals and storage facilities helped the company maintain production and exports despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Aramco’s adjusted net income for this period amounted to $67.2 billion.
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Renewable and nuclear energy
In July 2025, Saudi Arabia announced power purchase agreements for solar and wind projects with a total capacity of 15 GW. Investment in them is approaching $8.3 billion, and the consortium was led by ACWA Power. These projects align with the plan to generate about half of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Aramco is also continuing development of the Jafurah gas field. Production of sales gas and condensate is ongoing as part of the first phase, while completion of the second stage is planned for 2027.
Civilian nuclear power is a separate area of focus. On July 22, the US Department of Energy announced the signing of a peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia under Section 123. The document was signed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright. According to the department, the agreement creates a legal framework for a long-term partnership and will be submitted to the US Congress for consideration.
