The Energy and Mineral Resources Committee of the Senate, chaired by Engineer Farouq Al-Hiyari, convened on Wednesday to discuss the rising electricity demand in the country.
اضافة اعلانAl-Hiyari highlighted that the national electrical system is on par with those in developed nations in terms of technical standards. He noted that current electricity demand is being met through traditional power units as well as renewable energy plants.
He emphasized the need for strategic planning to ensure the safe, sustainable, and cost-effective operation of the electrical system. Such planning is essential for managing current and future electricity loads, reducing costs, and contributing to sustainable development in line with the Economic Modernization Vision.
Al-Hiyari pointed out that the contribution of renewable energy sources to the total electricity generation in the system has increased from nearly 1% in 2015 to approximately 27% in 2024, with around 18% of that fed into the national grid operated by the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO).
Committee members stressed the importance of continuing to provide adequate power generation capacity—both traditional and renewable—to meet current and future electricity demands. They also underscored the need to handle peak electricity loads efficiently within NEPCO’s planning framework at fair costs, ensuring the stability of the electrical system.
