Forecasting Saudi Arabia’s Energy Future: Dr. Nyangon Presents at USAEE/IAEE Conference

On October 25, Dr. Nyangon co-presented a research paper at the 34th USAEE/IAEE North American Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, addressing one of Saudi Arabia’s most pressing challenges: rapidly growing electricity demand driven by extreme weather and economic growth.

The paper introduces a hybrid, weather-based long-term electricity demand forecasting model for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), projecting demand through 2040. With electricity and water desalination accounting for 42% of primary energy consumption—and climate control loads exceeding 50% of electricity use—the study underscores the urgency of improved energy efficiency and demand-side management.

Saudi Arabia currently relies almost entirely on oil and natural gas, with domestic consumption rising at 3.9% annually. Without intervention, continued growth threatens export capacity, government revenues, and long-term energy security. Dr. Nyangon’s analysis quantifies the technical and economic links between climate conditions and electricity consumption, providing critical insights for future investments in heating, cooling, and power generation.

The research offers a foundation for strategic planning, identifying where new generation, grid expansion, and targeted efficiency programs can deliver maximum economic, environmental, and social benefits.