Solar energy has become a must for Saudi Arabia if the kingdom wants to maintain its high standard of living.

Executive Director of the Saudi Electricity Company Hamed al-Saggaf said the Saudi Arabia has little to no choice but to pursue the development of solar power.

At the opening day of the fourth solar summit in Riyadh, al-Saggaf said the kingdom must learn to wean itself from its dependence on oil and gas for electricity production.

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He went on to say that if Saudi Arabia continued on its present consumption rate, there will be a great loss of opportunity to develop renewable energy. The kingdom must start pursuing solar energy now.

Saudi Arabia currently has a peak electricity load of 57 gigawatts (GW). Add to that a electricity-hungry middle class and there clearly is a need to consider renewable energy, said al-Saggaf.

While renewable energy has rarely been a priority in the kingdom due to its abundant oil supply, there's now a plan to boost Saudi Arabia's stagnant solar industry.

The plan will see the kingdom invest US$109 billion in solar energy between now and 2032. The aim is establish a solar power capacity of 41 GW. This figure will meet 30 percent of the kingdom's projected 120 GW energy needs by 2032.

"It is a dream right now," said Ali al-Maashi of petrochemicals company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation. "But I think we have the capacity."

He also said Saudi Arabia needs to develop clear policies and frameworks to create a conducive pro-solar environment.

Saudi Arabia's 41 GW goal is being supported by the Chinese National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

Based in Beijing, state-owned CNNC is set to partner with the Saudi energy research center, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A. CARE), to develop nuclear energy in the kingdom.

Tagssolar energy, Saudi Arabian Kingdom, Hamed al-Saggaf, Chinese National Nuclear Corporation