Disbanding the supreme council for atomic and renewable energy was not a surprise
The disbanding of the Supreme Council of the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-Care) as part of the new kings first government reshuffle should not come as a surprise.
Established under Royal Decree by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in 2010 to much fanfare, the body set out ambitious plans to develop the regions largest nuclear and renewable programmes over a 20-year period. Despite much initial enthusiasm, almost five years after its creation, the body has failed to even begin the procurement or tendering of any projects.
Taking his name, the alternative energy body was regarded as one of the kings legacy projects, which would mark a major shift in the countrys energy strategy for years to come. The release of a white paper in early 2013 detailing the initial procurement for the programme was seen as a significant step forward, but since then no further progress has been made.
While it is difficult to ascertain exactly why progress has been so limited, sources from within the kingdoms utility sector point to the inability of the body to adequately staff itself for such a vast programme. It is also felt that publicly stating such ambitious targets put the body under pressure to deliver unrealistic goals from the beginning, and that more manageable initial aims should have been set.
Although many have been quick to blame KA-Care for its minimal progress, others within the kingdoms energy sector are less critical. They point to the fact that KA-Care has succeeded in drawing up a feasible strategy and getting the ball rolling. Now it is up for the established government clients to deliver the procurement of the schemes.
Regardless of the viewpoint on KA-Care, there is unanimous agreement that Saudi Arabia has, to date, failed with its renewable and nuclear power plans. With such grand plans, the global power sector is hoping that the restructuring will usher in a fresh start for KA-Care, and finally kickstart the regions most eagerly anticipated alternative energy programmes.
Follow Andrew Roscoe on Twitter: @MEEDAndrew
You might also like...
PIF entity makes $1bn Lucid placement
29 March 2024
Petro Rabigh awards KBR maintenance contract
29 March 2024
Diriyah Company seeks firms for demolition package
29 March 2024
European finance in place for Tunisia Bizerte bridge
29 March 2024
A MEED Subscription...
Subscribe or upgrade your current MEED.com package to support your strategic planning with the MENA region’s best source of business information. Proceed to our online shop below to find out more about the features in each package.