Utilities

The utilities sector is enjoying huge investments into expansions and capacity upgrades, with around SR500bn ($133.25bn) to flow into the electricity and water segments in the coming decade. Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to build up renewable electricity generation capacity, in particular solar power, to address rapidly rising energy consumption. The Kingdom is investing in water desalination plants and looking at new technologies, like solar desalination, to improve efficiency. Another marked feature of the sector, looking ahead, is likely to be more private investment. The government is implementing new policies to encourage businesses to undertake energy efficiency reforms, such as by limiting supply if firms do not meet stipulated targets. Meanwhile, construction and engineering contracts will make for plenty of opportunity for such firms for years to come.