Barriers hindering the utilisation of geothermal resources in Saudi Arabia

A geothermal resource represents a clean and renewable source of energy for many parts of the world. It is a relatively mature and proven technology which has been used to generate electricity since 1904. Despite the availability of some potentially resources-rich geothermal locations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has not undertaken any serious geothermal projects. It is the aim of this paper to identify the real barriers hindering the utilisation of geothermal resources in Saudi Arabia. Current obstacles, obtained from several qualitative interviews, include uncertainty with regard to existing geothermal resources as well as the availability of more cost-effective sources of energy. The paper also identifies some enablers that might make this technology viable in Saudi Arabia.