Belaïd, Fateh

Climate-Resilient Cities: Priorities for the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

This edited volume discusses the concept of resilient cities within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Written by an international panel of scholars and experts, the book presents theoretical approaches, identifies risk factors, and suggests policies for building resiliency in a region of the world undergoing rapid urbanization. Chapters cover a diverse range of topics, including innovative concepts and studies in resilient city design, the interaction of social, entrepreneurial, governmental, and ecological transformations in the GCC region, and international best practices for risk reduction. Coupling rigorous economic analysis and practical policy implications, this book will be useful for students and academics of finance, governance, energy and resource economics, and climate change, as well as policymakers, community leaders, and risk reduction professionals. Read Full Book Here

12th January 2025

Smart Cities: Social and Environmental Challenges and Opportunities for Local Authorities

This edited volume discusses the socioeconomic, environmental, and policy implications of smart cities. Written by international experts in energy economics and policy, the chapters present wide range of high quality theoretical and empirical studies at the nexus of social, entrepreneurial, governmental and ecological transformation. The book covers a wide range of topics, with a view towards providing empirical evidence of the benefits of smart cities as well as practical frameworks for smart city initiatives. Topics discussed include: smart city transition pillars, innovation for smart and sustainable cities design and implementation, smart city governance, smart mobility within cities, and smart cities in emerging economies. This volume will be of use to students and researchers interested in resource economics, energy economics, sustainability, ICT, and governance, as well as policymakers working on smart city initiatives. This is an open access book

21st April 2024

Smart Cities Initiatives and Perspectives in the MENA Region and Saudi Arabia

This chapter focuses on the evolution of smart cities in developing countries. It starts by mapping the definitions and evolutions of smart cities concepts. Then it outlines the progress and current practices that emerging economies, in general, have achieved in their transition towards smart cities and the significant key challenges and takeaways that can be acquired so far. It analyses what could have been done better and what factors are still missing in smoothening this transition. Furthermore, it zooms into the smart city initiatives in Saudi Arabia to better extract lessons learned and the way to move forward. The analysis suggests measures that each actor can take: the public, private and international sides to further smoothen the transition to address the rising challenges of urbanization in emerging economies. Read Book Chapter

1st October 2023

Smart Energy Cities: The Role of Behavioral Interventions in Reducing Electricity Demand in Buildings in Principality of Monaco

With energy powering the most attractive aspects of urban environments in modern society, from health, transportation, and comfort to information, business, and leisure, energy cities are perfectly positioned to design the smart city of the future by leveraging the energy foundations of the city. This chapter focuses on the emerging concept of energy cities through the lens of sustainable behaviors and their role in alleviating climate change. We use the results of a randomized control trial experiment implemented in Monaco to illustrate our arguments on the role of behavioral intervention in empowering citizens on the importance of saving energy. The results will offer a vision of what steps cities are taking to increase environmental awareness and the role of individual behaviors in tackling climate change. Read Book Chapter

1st October 2023

Renewable Energy in the MENA Region: Key Challenges and Lessons Learned

Many pieces of evidence showing that investments in energy transition can boost GDP and create jobs. Further, national and regional energy transitions can help build resilient economies and societies. Therefore, linking short-term actions to medium- and long-term strategies is vital to achieving the Paris agreement on climate change the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, this analysis aims to explore the key challenges and lessons learned regarding the development of renewable energy. The setting of the current study is the MENA countries, as examples of growing economies, most of them experiencing extensive economic and energy reforms. First, we briefly review the demand for renewable energy and the resources available, before examining some of the challenges that need to be addressed to meet deployment targets. Second, we present some case studies to show what is at stake in some countries, the challenges, and the lessons learned. Aggressive RE policies seem to be vital to achieving key energy-policy goals, and the so-called “multiple benefits” of RE in the MENA region, such as addressing climate change and air pollution, improving energy security, and increasing energy access. Policies should be more ambitious to address national challenges and targets and strengthen climate commitments. However, securing strategic financing, investing in transition-related infrastructure, diverting investment from fossil fuels, and making bailouts conditional on climate action should be a cornerstone of national strategies. Read Full Book Chapter Here

22nd April 2021

In Eco-Design of Buildings and Infrastructure

This chapter looks at different models and approaches concerning the energy consumption of households and buildings. The modelling of building energy consumption falls completely within this context. The field of building energy consumption modelling is therefore vast, diverse and involves many disciplines spanning the social sciences, engineering, physics, economics and ecology, to name just a few. The statistical approach attempts to establish a causal relationship between the energy consumption of buildings, users and different contextual variables, such as climatic conditions or urban density. The co-construction of new concepts and methods integrating causality into numerical modelling, to theorise, simplify and experiment with models of building energy consumption is a field that is more necessary than ever, but which is still largely open. The development of these constructive measures generally relies on models integrating variables related to materials, orientations and sometimes the life cycle of buildings. Read Full Book Chapter Here

1st January 2021

Why Should Saudi Arabia Diversify Its Economy?

Climate change is a global issue. According to an IPCC special report (IPCC, Global warming of 1.5 °C. An IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty. World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 32 p, 2018), if global warming is 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, this will increase the threat of climate change, challenge sustainable development and increase poverty in the world. All countries must reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The attention paid to countries that produce fossil fuels and export them to the rest of the world is evident in this context. Like other oil-producing countries, KSA faces two challenges for the 2020s: the consequences of the world’s low carbon energy transition and the changes associated with economic diversification and the growth of the low carbon economy at home. The country should diversify its economy and develop sustainable projects, like smart cities and sustainable tourism, in order to achieve the Agenda 30 aims and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Read Full Book Chapter Here

21st October 2020

Chapter 2 – Role of Economy and Income to Fall in Energy Poverty: Policy Act

Fuel poverty is a complex and multi-scale issue, which relating the household-level to the country-level and the demand-side to the supply-side. The fuel poverty situation is shaped by various factors, including household social and economic conditions. This study aims to examine the role of income in shaping the fuel poverty phenomenon. It focuses mainly on an important question, which has risen in the last few years both in policy and the economic literature; that is, the role of income to fall in energy poverty. We use data from 2013 French Housing survey to illustrate the extent of the problem and to highlight the important role of both income and energy expenditure in increasing the probability of being fuel poor. The empirical analysis in this article relies on a binary logit regression model. Our empirical approach enables us to explore the drivers of the income and energy-cost-induced dimension of fuel poverty. This study provides an overview of the fuel poverty definitions and extent, and puts forward an empirical strategy which can help to identify and target the households most in need of financial and energy-related support. Read Full Book Chapter Here

1st January 2019

Progress and Gaps in the Adoption of Clean Cooking Fuels in Africa – Policy Options for Ghana and Kenya

Access to clean cooking fuels is vital for public health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the key barriers to adopting clean cooking fuels in Ghana and Kenya, asking. Despite progress in urban areas toward liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity, rural households remain reliant on biomass fuels like wood and charcoal, leading to indoor air pollution and environmental harm. This dependence imposes significant costs, estimated at $18 billion annually in Ghana and $39 billion in Kenya. To address these challenges, targeted policy interventions—such as expanding LPG infrastructure, providing financial subsidies, and implementing culturally sensitive awareness campaigns—are essential. This study enhances understanding of Africa’s energy transition by highlighting the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of clean cooking adoption, supporting efforts for equitable access to sustainable energy solutions.

13th March 2025

Roadmap for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in Saudi Arabia Insights From Stakeholder Engagement and Expert Survey

This paper presents the findings of a survey conducted by KAPSARC, focusing on the role of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology within the framework of Circular Carbon Economy (CCE). The survey, part of the CCE Roadmaps project, aimed to gather insights from diverse stakeholders to inform the development of technology roadmaps. The study focuses on the perceived importance, barriers, and potential of CCS technologies in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with a specific focus on their implementation in Saudi Arabia. By analyzing the perspectives of various experts and industry professionals, this research provides valuable insights into CCS’s current state and prospects within the CCE framework. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable energy solutions and offer important considerations for policymakers and industry leaders in shaping the future of carbon management strategies.

12th January 2025

Residential Electricity Consumption and Rebound Effects in Saudi Arabia: Insights into Bridging the Energy Efficiency Gap

The rebound effect refers to the phenomenon where energy efficiency improvements lead to increased energy consumption, offsetting some of the expected energy savings. This article aims to estimate the direct rebound effect of residential electricity consumption in Saudi Arabia and explores potential solutions to mitigate its impact.

1st September 2024

Decarbonizing Saudi Arabia’s Residential Sector: Designing Behavioral Interventions for Efficient and Sustainable Energy Consumption

There is a consensus in the literature regarding the significant role of behavioral change in reducing the level of residential energy consumption. However, there is an ongoing debate concerning the most effective mechanisms and instruments with which to promote energy-efficient actions among individuals. In the Saudi Arabian context, leveraging behavioral economic concepts can play a crucial role in assessing how individual behaviors and lifestyles shape residential energy usage and influence energy consumption patterns. This study proposes a framework for designing behavioral interventions, including social norms, high-alert messages, and energy-saving tips, to reduce residential energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission levels in Saudi Arabia.

24th June 2024

Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions of Saudi Arabia by 2060: The Transformation of the Building Sector

In this paper, an economy-wide, net-zero pathway that enables Saudi Arabia to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060 is investigated, with a specific focus on the critical role played by the building sector. An exploration is undertaken of the significance of energy efficiency measures, the circular carbon economy framework and the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center’s instrumental contributions in reducing energy demand and GHG emissions within the building sector.

25th March 2024

Implications of Climate Policy on Energy Poverty

This article examines the complex issue of energy poverty and its various dimensions, including energy access and affordability. It explores the challenges of addressing energy poverty and the trade-offs that may exist between energy poverty and climate change policy.

13th November 2023

Closing the Investment Gap to Achieve Paris Agreement Goals

This study aims to assess the alignment of global sustainable financial flows with transition investment priorities. First, we identify investment gaps based on the difference between the required annual investment to meet global net-zero emissions (NZE) targets and current investment flows. Our assessment reveals that nearly all countries must significantly accelerate their efforts, as their current investment levels fall short of what is required. Second, and perhaps more importantly, investment gaps are particularly large for non-Annex I (developing) countries. Financing these large-scale investments continues to be a major global challenge. The size of global environmental, social and governance (ESG) finance remains low. Specifically, despite their large investment gaps, developing countries receive only a minor share of global ESG funds, where access to conventional finance is already limited.

9th October 2023

Projecting Global Oil Demand for the Buildings Sector

As one of the largest consumers of energy resources, the building sector plays a key role in the evolution of the global energy landscape. Buildings account for approximately one-third of the world’s final energy consumption. This methodology paper aims to provide a projection of oil demand in the building sector. The adopted modeling framework disaggregates the oil demand outlook by four fuel types and eight regions, which, in aggregate, add up to establish the global long-term oil demand outlook for the building sector up to 2050.

6th May 2024

Modeling Long-Term Oil Demand in the Agricultural Sector

The agricultural sector and global food security are facing an increasing number of risks due to climate change, the increasing population size, rising energy and agricultural demands, competing demands for land for biofuel production, and the degradation of soil quality. Between 2001 and 2018, the annual consumption of food and agricultural products increased rapidly by approximately 48%, and there was twofold population growth (WEF 2021). This increase in agricultural demand has also stimulated the demand for energy products, as the agricultural sector relies heavily on specific fuels for heating, machinery, and other activities. Given the consistent increasing trend of the global population, the world will be faced with the need to feed approximately 10 billion people by 2050, or approximately 50% more food than in 2010.

17th January 2024

Unlocking Energy Efficiency in the GCC Built Environment

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, encompassing Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, is distinguished by rapid urbanization, robust economic growth, and substantial energy consumption. The built environment has expanded significantly to accommodate burgeoning populations and economic activities, driven by remarkable economic development over recent decades. In addition to the rapid economic development, population growth, urbanization, the region’s hot climate and high demand for air conditioning further exacerbate energy consumption, rendering energy efficiency a critical priority.

12th November 2024

Role Of LPG In Enabling A Just And Inclusive Energy Transition In Africa And The Arab Region

Globally, 2.3 billion people still lack access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking (CFTs) today, with an overwhelming majority residing in rural areas. Without a dramatic increase in investment and action for scalable solutions, 1.9 billion people will remain without access to clean cooking in 2030. This stark reality highlights the urgency for action, underlined by the Clean Cooking Alliance’s (CCA) strategy, which emphasizes the need for annual investments of at least $10 billion to achieve universal clean cooking access by 2030, compared with the existing funding shortfall of less than 1.5% of that value $130 million each year).

14th December 2023

The Crisis in Electricity Prices in Europe: Context and Key Insights

The cost of electric power in Europe is soaring. After a steady rise in 2021, prices spiked in the first half of 2022 following the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Day-ahead wholesale electricity prices increased more than threefold on average in 2021 compared to 2020, reaching an average of €194 per megawatthour (MWh) in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021. The daily standard deviation of day-ahead electricity prices more than doubled on average in 2021 compared to 2020. At the start of July 2022, electricity prices were heading toward their 2021 peak. They are expected to reach new highs based on current market dynamics. Here, we discuss the drivers and implications of current European electricity prices.

17th January 2023

Why is the EU Carbon Price at a Record €60 per Tonne?

Carbon prices soared above €60/tonne for the first time on August 30, 2021, with the expectation of tightened environmental legislation. These prices made a new record on the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS), the European Union’s carbon market. The stressed gas market and expectations of a tighter gas supply in Europe are also behind rising carbon prices. These factors spilled over into electricity prices, which also broke highs, hitting €140 per megawatt hour (MWh) in real-time trading on September 1, 2021.

1st March 2022

Why are European Wholesale Electricity Prices Soaring?

Since the beginning of summer 2021, European wholesale electricity prices have been soaring to historic highs. The average day-ahead price of electricity for central European countries more than doubled between June and September, reaching 170 euros per megawatthour (e/MWh) on September 15. This data insight discusses this unprecedented increase in wholesale electricity prices and their key drivers.

23rd November 2021

Natural Gas Price Surge: Implications for International Energy Markets and the Way Forward

What Are the Reasons Behind the Soaring Gas Prices? As the Northern Hemisphere has moved into winter, the current worldwide surge in energy prices has raised fears of an energy crisis with serious implications. The focus of this brief Instant Insight is twofold. First, we provide a brief overview of the current energy market. We then discuss the potential short- and long-term implications for users of natural gas, both residential and industrial. The analysis highlights that, although the world debated reducing investment in fossil fuels at COP26 in Glasgow, OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and its partners have had to deal with calls from major energy consumers to increase production to curb the current price trend.

24th January 2022

The Implications of Soaring Gas and Coal Prices on Europe’s Energy Poverty Trap

With the recovery of the world economy following the easing of restrictions designed to contain COVID-19, energy demand has surged even as natural gas stocks were dangerously low. This triggered one of the first significant energy shocks of the green era and exposed the fragilities of the ongoing process to green the energy system.

15th December 2021

How the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act Supports Energy Efficiency and Low-Carbon Buildings

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) recognizes that buildings account for a significant share of U.S. energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. To address this issue, the IRA includes a range of policies and programs to make energy efficiency and conservation measures more affordable through an array of incentives and rebates.

27th May 2024

Smart Energy-Saving Technologies and Their Potential Application in Buildings Lessons for Saudi Arabia

The increasing demand for energy in our modern world has led to a critical need to conserve energy resources. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) predicts that under the 1.5°C scenario, electricity will be the primary energy carrier in the future, with a threefold increase in its generation capacity from 27 petawatt-hours (PWh) in 2020 to approximately 90 PWh in 2050; additionally, the share of renewable energy sources in electricity generation is expected to increase from 28% in 2020 to 91% in 2050.

12th May 2024

Decoding the Behavioral Patterns in Saudi Arabia from GASTAT’s Five-Year Household Energy Statistics Survey

This commentary presents the findings of the annual Energy Statistics Survey by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), an ongoing initiative since 2017 that is now in its fifth iteration, which covers 2022. The survey encompasses hundreds of responses from 45,420 households and offers a comprehensive view of their electricity consumption, fuel usage, various energy utilization patterns, and methods for achieving energy efficiency, along with other aspects. The survey’s sample is designed to represent Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions and is selected based on the General Population and Housing Census 2022 framework. The goal is to accurately reflect the diversity of households within these regions.

5th May 2024

Energy Transition Amid Converging Global Energy Crises

In this commentary, we provide a discussion of the factors that have led to the ongoing spike in natural gas prices. We then discuss the potential short- and long-term implications for the global energy transition and for users of natural gas, both residential and industrial. The analysis highlights that although the world has debated reducing investment in fossil fuels to meet the Paris Agreement goal of keeping global warming below 1.5° C, major energy consumers have been calling for an increase in oil and gas production to meet immediate energy needs and curb the current price trend. While renewables have promise for enhancing energy security, the current energy crisis has revealed that at the present-day scale, renewable energy investments are not able to meet ongoing energy needs, forcing countries to again unlock hydrocarbon fuel sources, such as coal, and putting the global energy transition on hold. The paper concludes with recommendations for policies that enable clean energy developments to be unlocked amid strained geopolitical contexts to avoid future vulnerability to similar crises.

4th June 2023

The Rebound Effect in Residential Energy Demand: The Case of Saudi Arabia

A Bird’s-Eye View of the Rebound Effect Although the rebound effect phenomenon has sparked heightened policy and academic debate in recent years, the topic is not new. The concept of rebound – and its extreme form, “backfire”, where energy efficiency leads to higher energy consumption – emerged in the work of 19th-century economist Stanley Jevons (Jevons, 1865). Jevons, in his book The Coal Question (1865), postulated that energy consumption would increase with increasing industrial efficiency as individuals produce and consume more goods.

8th May 2023

The Role of Building Energy Efficiency in Shaping the Energy Transition in Saudi Arabia: Key challenges and initiatives

This commentary discusses a crucial topic that has emerged in the policy and economic literature in recent years: the potential role of energy efficiency in the current energy transition. It provides a straightforward analysis of the prominent role that residential energy efficiency may play in shaping the energy transition and the pathway to sustainability. The primary focus is the energy efficiency initiatives in Saudi Arabia, as an example of a country that is very concerned by the transformation of the energy landscape.

8th February 2022