Greenhouse Gas Emission Dynamics of Saudi Arabia: Potential of Hydrogen Fuel for Emission Footprint Reduction

Adeola Akinpelu, Md Shafiul Alam, Md Shafiullah (), Syed Masiur Rahman () and Fahad Saleh Al-Ismail
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Adeola Akinpelu: Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
Md Shafiul Alam: Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
Md Shafiullah: Interdisciplinary Research Center for Renewable Energy and Power Systems, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
Syed Masiur Rahman: Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
Fahad Saleh Al-Ismail: Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: The growth of population, gross domestic product (GDP), and urbanization have led to an increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The leading GHG-emitting sectors are electricity generation, road transportation, cement, chemicals, refinery, iron, and steel. However, the KSA is working to lead the global energy sustainability campaign to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2060. In addition, the country is working to establish a framework for the circular carbon economy (CCE), in which hydrogen acts as a transversal facilitator. To cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, the Kingdom is also building several facilities, such as the NEOM green hydrogen project. The main objective of the article is to critically review the current GHG emission dynamics of the KSA, including major GHG emission driving forces and prominent emission sectors. Then, the role of hydrogen in GHG emission reduction will be explored. Finally, the researchers and decision makers will find the helpful discussions and recommendations in deciding on appropriate mitigation measures and technologies.

Keywords: greenhouse gas emissions; hydrogen; renewable energy; Saudi Arabia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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