Search

4.75. Because more than 99% of electricity is generated using fossil fuels, the development of alternative sources of energy to diversify the sources of electricity generation features prominently in the Vision 2030 strategy. The diversification of the energy mix is being pursued for various economic, security, and environmental reasons. The Government defined ambitious objectives for the creation of a renewable energy sector and is considering the development of a nuclear energy capacity.

4.76. The National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP) was launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Energy to substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the national power energy mix , to promote and facilitate private sector participation by attracting foreign and domestic investment, and to grow the Kingdom's manufacturing capability in renewable energy. The Ministry of Energy has the primary responsibility for the pre-development of renewable energy projects (...). To date, there have been three rounds of open tenders under the NREP. Round 1 comprised 700 MW across two projects: the Sakaka 300 MW Solar PV project; and the Dumat Al Jandal 400 MW onshore wind project. Combined, these two projects attracted SAR 3 billion in private sector investment. Rounds 2 and 3 of the NREP are currently at the tendering stage and will see an additional 2,670 MW of renewable energy across 10 projects be awarded before the end of 2021.

4.77. Apart from diversifying the electricity mix, the development of renewable energy capacity is also designed to promote domestic industrial capacity and job creation [95] .The authorities formulated detailed localization requirements that firms must meet to be able to bid for renewable energy projects.

[95] Vision 2030 states, in this regard, that "[w]e will also seek to localize a significant portion of the renewable energy value chain in the Saudi economy, including research and development, and manufacturing, among other stages".

4.96. (...) The new industrial policy is reflected in a comprehensive and detailed National Industrial Strategy (NIS) focusing on nine sectors: (i) equipment and machinery; (ii) renewable energy supplies; (...).

4.101. (...) the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) charges fees on its loans that are similar to, and in some cases higher than, the interest charged by comparable commercial banks, that SIDF does not finance projects that are not commercially viable, and that its loans are not contingent upon export performance (...) the SIDF also launched several major integrated programmes to promote local content. The Energy Efficiency Program aims to support the existing industrial foundation to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs

Table A3. 1 Import licensing regime, 2020
(...)
HS code: Chapters 26, 28, and 29 Different headings, in addition to any other relevant headings
Description: (...) Chemicals used by agricultural research centers or wastewater research laboratories and centers, also chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment and the relevant stations (...).
Licensing authority: Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture
(...)
HS code: Chapters 26, 28, and 29 Different headings, in addition to any other relevant headings
Description: (...) Chemicals used by agricultural research centers or wastewater research laboratories and centers, also chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment and the relevant stations (...).
Licensing authority: National Center for Environmental Compliance (for chemicals falling within its competence)
(...)

Table A3. 1 Import licensing regime, 2020
(...)
HS code: -
Description: Wild animals, plants and their products thereof, according to CITES
Licensing authority: National Center for Wildlife Development
(...)

Table A3. 1 Import licensing regime, 2020
(...)
HS code: -
Description: Hazardous waste
Licensing authority: National Center for Environmental Compliance

Table A3. 2 Products affected by standards and technical regulations, 2016-20
Group 6: Biodegradable plastic products
Technical regulation and items: Sacks and bags (including cones) of polymers of ethylene; Sacks and bags, of a kind used for the packing of goods; Self-adhesive plates, in rolls of a width not exceeding 20 cm
International HS Code: 392321; 630533; 391910

Table A3. 2 Products affected by standards and technical regulations, 2016-20
Group 24: Lubricating oils
Technical regulation and items: Petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals, other than crude; preparations not elsewhere specified or included, containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or biodiesel or waste.
International HS Code: 271012 / 271019