Saudi strategy
It is encouraging to learn through the Press that the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has recently launched its solar energy programme with a view to stabilising future power and water supplies in the country. Fortunately, the kingdom is naturally blessed with year-round sunshine to harness solar energy.
Emphasizing the importance of harnessing solar energy, Prince Dr. Turki bin Mohammad, Vice President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) said -- "The solar energy programme will reduce the cost of producing desalinated water and of generating power". This solar energy programme is a timely step and will surely bring welfare and prosperity to the people of KSA.
Meanwhile, I would like to draw the reference of Saudi oil reserve. As known to everyone, the KSA owns nearly 30 per cent of the world's total petroleum reserve. And Saudi Arabia's economy is oil dependent. Recently, I came across some western publications wherein some energy experts claimed that Saudi Arabia's oil reserves are a fraction of what they have been claiming. It has been said that after Saudi Arabia took over the oil fields management into their own hands from Aramco, they started keeping everything secret pertaining to oil reserves and production. Well, for some sensitive factors including safety and security of the oil fields and installations, the Saudi authorities might have started keeping everything confidential. There are visual evidences which confirm Saudi's huge oil reserves. This oil resource of KSA has made the country a prominent figure in the arena of international politics and diplomacy. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is not alone enjoying the benefit of their oil reserves but generously sharing their income with both developed and developing countries. The Saudi King and the Royal family are contributing a huge sum of money to various international humanitarian and philanthropic activities.
In order to put the file up-to-date, it is strongly felt that the KSA should take note of the above mentioned propaganda and review there own situation. Some reports on oil reserves should also be made available to the international Press to dispel confusions.
To get back to the beginning, time has come when all the countries around the globe should follow Saudi Arabia in adopting appropriate programmes to harness solar energy from sunlight. Solar energy is pollution free and environment-friendly.
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