Arab News, Monday, Sep 14, 2020 | Muharram 26, 1442
KAPSARC develops 3 models for Saudi energy system
Saudi Arabia: The King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research
Center (KAPSARC) has developed three models and tools for the economy and energy
system in Saudi Arabia, in an effort to boost and diversify Saudi Arabia’s
economic and energy prosperity and achieve its Vision 2030 goals.
The center’s researchers have designed the Vision 2030 dynamic input-output
tool, the KAPSARC energy model, and the energy policy simulator tool, in order
to enhance the understanding of energy economics and environmental policies.
“In order to predict the future of economic and energy issues and face future
energy challenges, the number of open-source models and tools reached more than
20 models, 1,800 databases, and 14 research tools,” Dr. Fahad Al-Turki, vice
president of research at KAPSARC, said.
Al-Turki pointed out that the development models and tools had provided the
latest data and statistics in a variety of subjects and topics, such as the
toolkit for behavioral analysis, building energy assessment tool, transport
analyzes framework, and the energy data portal, as KAPSARC seeks to contribute
to enriching the local and global research industry and support researchers in
improving the welfare of societies.
He also stated that the center had 10 initiatives and produced six different
publications, such as research papers, data sets, commentaries, peer-reviewed
journal articles, and podcasts, to support the global energy sector and help the
Kingdom to become less reliant on oil and more diversified in energy resources
and revenues.
KAPSARC recently launched a database on the impact of the coronavirus disease on
economic and energy indicators to highlight the Kingdom’s efforts in addressing
the pandemic and ensuring people’s health.
The center announced last February its progress in the list of the world’s best
research centers. KAPSARC jumped 14 positions among Middle East and North
African research centers to 15 out of 103 regionally, and ranked 13 out of 60
research centers globally specializing in energy policy.