Evaluation of the barriers to and drivers of the implementation of solar energy in Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Currently available evidence indicates that energy demand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is generally increasing and solar energy constitutes a promising new source of energy. Thus, this paper aims to identify and assess the most critical barriers and drivers of the implementation of solar energy in KSA. This study develops and employs a systematic decision-making framework based on the judgment of experts. The interactions between the barriers and drivers are evaluated using rough DEMATEL (integrated crisp DEMATEL and rough set theory) and interpretive structure modelling (ISM). Rough set theory serves to address the involvement of vagueness. Furthermore, this paper conducts MICMAC analyses to evaluate the driving and dependence power of the drivers and barriers. This paper finds that the most significant barrier to solar energy in KSA is the expensive electricity generated by solar energy while the most significant driver of solar energy in KSA is the availability of solar irradiation. This study will assist industrial managers who are working on the implementation of solar energy projects in KSA, enabling them to properly assess and evaluate the solar energy sector in the country. This study is amongst the first of its kind to address the barriers to and drivers of the implementation of solar energy in KSA by using the rough DEMATEL method.