For sustainability, Saudi Arabia is now leading the Middle East

The Environmental Performance Index assesses 120 countries based on their environmental health and ecosystem vitality. According to the most recent sustainability evaluation, Saudi Arabia has experienced a notable improvement in the global Energy Transition Index since 2021, advancing by 24 positions.

In the World Economic Forum’s annual Energy Index Report, the Kingdom progressed from the 81st position in 2021 to the 57th position in 2023, establishing itself as the regional leader in the Middle East. These findings align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing the country's economic sustainability through diversification, with a particular emphasis on travel and tourism. While traditionally a major player in the oil market, the country has undergone a significant energy transition, focusing on renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint. The report emphasizes that Saudi Arabia's green initiatives, including the establishment of the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Co. (the first in the region), played a crucial role in the improved rankings. However, the report suggests that there is still room for the Kingdom to further reduce energy and carbon intensity despite the substantial progress made.

Highlighting carbon capture technologies and the development of additional renewable resources as opportunities, the report also acknowledges Saudi Arabia's commitment to sourcing 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030. The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) spearheads various initiatives, such as enhancing energy efficiency, investing in alternative energy sources, and implementing a program for carbon capture and storage. With an ambitious target of planting 10 billion trees, SGI's strategic reforestation efforts are yielding positive results. In 2022 alone, 18 million trees were planted, and 60,000 hectares of degraded land were rehabilitated, contributing to improved ecological parameters, enhanced air quality, and reduced sandstorms. The report recognizes Saudi Arabia's departure from the traditional economic model, with 11.4 GW of renewable capacity under development, potentially carrying geopolitical implications. It concludes by stating that, with the right investments, research programs, training, and education, Saudi Arabia has the potential to emerge as a formidable leader in the global energy transition.