The untapped potential of Saudi Arabia’s dams
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Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in dam construction as part of its water resource management strategy, establishing more than 520 dams across the country, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
These structures play a crucial role in capturing and storing water, mitigating the impact of floods, and supporting agricultural sustainability.
While dams have delivered clear economic and social benefits, their current use presents challenges that limit sustainability and long-term efficiency. Extended storage often leads to deteriorating water quality, sediment accumulation that reduces capacity, greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing organic matter, and substantial water loss through evaporation.
Despite these challenges, the Kingdom’s extensive reservoir network offers significant opportunities for innovation and sustainable development. By rethinking how dams are utilized, Saudi Arabia can enhance environmental stewardship, renewable energy production, and water security.
Hydropower generation
Hydropower represents one of the most promising opportunities. Globally, it remains one of the most affordable and reliable sources of renewable energy. The International Renewable Energy Agency notes that hydropower accounts for nearly 70 percent of global renewable electricity generation. Countries such as Norway, France, the US, the UK, China, and Germany have integrated hydropower into national strategies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Saudi Arabia, with its 520-plus dams spread across varied terrains, holds vast untapped potential. Many dams offer significant hydraulic head and water volume, creating strong opportunities for clean, low-cost electricity generation. Retrofitting these existing structures with hydropower technology could also support more consistent irrigation cycles, helping restore green cover in surrounding regions. By investing in studies and pilot projects, the Kingdom can diversify its energy mix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and reinforce its path toward carbon neutrality.
Floating solar technologies
In addition to hydropower, dam reservoirs provide ideal surfaces for floating solar power systems. These installations offer two key advantages: generating clean electricity and reducing water loss from evaporation.
A 2021 review in Energies reported that floating solar systems can conserve up to 70 percent of water that would otherwise evaporate annually — a particularly valuable benefit in Saudi Arabia’s arid climate.
Floating solar systems can complement hydropower operations, enhancing energy security by providing steady electricity even during droughts. Combining these technologies transforms dams from single-purpose infrastructure into multi-functional assets that support water security, renewable energy generation, and environmental sustainability.
By leveraging these solutions, Saudi Arabia can align its dam infrastructure with Vision 2030, advancing a resilient, diversified, and environmentally responsible future.
• Ahmed Al-Nashrey is an environmental and sustainability engineer at Saudi Aramco Base Oil Co.
