Measuring Solar Stores of the Arabian Peninsula

KAUST's study on solar irradiance over the Arabian Peninsula provides crucial insights for the region’s solar energy development.

As global energy demands shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources, solar energy technologies are gaining attention. However, understanding regional variations in solar irradiance—affected by factors like dust and cloud cover—is essential for attracting investments in solar energy technologies.

Previous assessments of solar resources in the region were limited, relying on short-term observations. To address this, KAUST’s Ibrahim Hoteit, Hari Dasari, and colleagues conducted the most comprehensive assessment to date, using high-resolution data to simulate solar irradiance over the past 40 years.

By combining climate data from 1980-2017 with ground-based observations, the team created a map identifying the regions with the highest solar energy potential. The study found that cloud cover in the north and dust in the central and southern parts of the peninsula are key factors influencing solar irradiance. The southeastern to northwestern areas are identified as the most suitable for solar energy harvesting.

The team plans to develop a solar forecasting system to predict solar irradiance more accurately.

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