The purpose of this study is to assess policy-relevant effects of incorporating a more proper representation of electricity transmission in multi-sector national policy models. This goal is achieved by employing the KAPSARC Energy Model (KEM), which is the first publicly available large-scale energy policy model for Saudi Arabia. Past studies using KEM have examined industrial pricing policy, residential energy efficiency, the prospects of power generation technologies and residential electricity pricing. These studies have shown that under certain fuel pricing scenarios, significant renewable energy capacity is deployed.

Principal Fellow- Oil & Gas
Walid works on modeling energy systems. He is developing or has developed the following components of the KAPSARC Energy Model…
Walid works on modeling energy systems. He is developing or has developed the following components of the KAPSARC Energy Model (KEM): electric power generation, oil refining, petrochemicals and fertilizers, cement production, and iron and steel. He is also working on a bottom-up residential electricity use framework that merges microeconomics with the physical laws governing electricity use.
Expertise
- Energy Systems Modeling
- Optimization
- Electricity Prices
- Energy Efficiency and the Interdisciplinary Connection Between Energy Economics and Engineering
Publications See all Walid Matar’s publications

Costs of Switching Fuels and Manufacturing Processes for Construction Materials Companies in Saudi Arabia
The purpose of this study is to assess policy-relevant effects of incorporating a more proper…
6th May 2025
Does integrating oil refining with petrochemicals provide long-term benefits for Saudi Arabia?
The purpose of this study is to assess policy-relevant effects of incorporating a more proper…
25th March 2025