Environment ministry urges solar power adoption to boost farm sustainability, cut costs
Saudi Arabia's environment ministry calls on farms outside the national grid to consider solar energy solutions to reduce costs and enhance sustainability.
Key Takeaways
AIThe Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has emphasized the importance of adopting solar energy solutions in Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector, particularly for farms located outside the planned expansion of the national electricity grid.
The ministry urged owners of these farms to begin evaluating alternatives to diesel generators, with solar power as a primary option, aiming to lower production costs, improve operational efficiency, and reduce reliance on liquid fuels, thereby supporting the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
This came during the participation of Abdulrahman bin Omar Al-Anqari, Director General of the General Department of Agricultural Licenses and Records at the ministry, in a panel discussion titled “Practical Solutions for Cost Reduction and Supporting Sustainability in the Agricultural Sector,” held as part of the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition 2026 in Riyadh.
The session reviewed several practical experiences in adopting solar energy for operating irrigation systems, greenhouses, and cooling, contributing to lower operating costs, more efficient resource use, and enhanced sustainability of agricultural production.
The discussion also addressed the challenges of using solar power in off-grid locations and the opportunities it presents for improving operational efficiency and reducing dependence on liquid fuels.
The event featured case studies on solar adoption in agricultural facilities, with discussions on technical suitability, financial returns, implementation challenges, and raising awareness of diesel alternatives to help facilities determine project requirements before implementation.
The ministry recommended consulting qualified advisors and contractors accredited by the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority to assess the feasibility of available alternatives and select the most suitable solutions for each farm, enhancing cost reduction and sustainability.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture continues its efforts to improve energy efficiency in agricultural facilities, encourage investment in renewable energy solutions, and provide the technical knowledge needed for their application, supporting the sustainability and competitiveness of the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.