Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia has been consulting with the West for plans
to develop a solar energy sector.

On Sept. 30, the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom hosted a solar energy seminar to explore policy and resource management.

The two-day seminar, Solar Arabia Summit, was told that Riyad wants to produce 41 gigawatts of solar energy by 2032.

“During the course of the previous two days of discussions, it has also been emphasized that while the focus of Saudi Arabia’s national energy plan is to generate new power, the creation of jobs and development of the local economy is of equal importance,” Abdullah Al Shehri, governor of the
Electricity and Co-generation Regulatory Authority, said.

Officials said Saudi Arabia was seeking partnerships to develop the
solar energy project. The seminar was attended by consultants from European
Union and Gulf Cooperation Council states.

  Abdullah Al Shehri, Electricity and Co-generation Regulatory Authority, Saudis go green: Targeting 41 gigawatts of solar energy by 2032, Solar Arabia Summit