Design school powers engineers in photovoltaic skills

27 November, 2022

A new short course for engineers in Saudi Arabia is helping to develop the expertise in photovoltaic solar design to achieve Vision 2030 sustainability goals.

An accredited photovoltaic design school has been developed through a partnership between the KAUST Solar Center and Saudi Electric Services Polytechnic, with support from the team at KAUST Innovation.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 presents a pathway toward a sustainable future for the country, with a plan to reach net zero by 2060. This also fits with the UN Sustainable Development Goal for affordable and clean energy.

While solar radiation is in plentiful supply in Saudi Arabia, much interdisciplinary research, training and innovation are still needed for its large-scale implementation. A highly skilled and trained workforce will also be key to developing the necessary techno-economic environment.

As a way to achieve this objective, KAUST Solar Center is collaborating with Saudi Electric Services Polytechnic — a leading vocational and professional training body — to establish a new accredited photovoltaic design school at KAUST.

“Vision 2030 promotes green and renewable energy and diversification of the Saudi economy from oil. What better way to participate in this collective effort than by providing young professionals working in the country with the right skillsets?” says Marios Neophytou, partnership specialist at the KAUST Solar Center, who helps organize the photovoltaic design schools.

Read more KAUST Insight.