Question

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is blessed with a wealth of energy resources such as the large oil
reserves that reach 266,455 M barrels. However, with the increasing population that is currently
growing at a rate of 2.54%, the electricity demand is expected to double in the next ten years.
Looking at the current power generation systems, one can recognize that it is dominated by steam
power plants and desalination cogeneration plants which produce 55,718 MW and 36,800,705
MWh, respectively.
In this context, you are requested to write a report on the electricity generation in Saudi Arabia.
Your report should include the following:
1- A detailed description and analysis of simple Rankine steam power plant. Writing the mass
balance (MBE), the energy balance (EBE), and the entropy balance equations for each
component. Plot the T-s and flow diagrams.
2- Write a brief description of an actual steam power plant that is currently in operation in
Saudi Arabia (about one page). Provide references for your information.
3- Write about one page on the advantages and disadvantages of oil-based power plants.
4- One of the disadvantages of oil-based power plants is the CO2 and air pollutant produced
by these plants. What are the possible solutions to this problem?
5- As part of the promising Saudi Vision 2030, the electricity generation will be less
dependent on oil. Describe some of the renewable energy options that will be introduced
through the Saudi Vision 2030. Refer to some projects and provide references for your
information.

Answer 1

3.

Advantages of Oil based power plant.

1) High Energy Density – Oil has one of the highest energy densities which means that a small amount of oil can produce a large amount of energy.

2) Easy Availability, Infrastructure for Transport and Use – Oil is widely distributed in almost all parts of the world. Also there exists a massive infrastructure to transport oil to other places through ships, pipelines and tankers. This means that oil is available throughout the world.

3) Constant Power Source and Reliability – Unlike solar and wind energy, oil can produce power 24/7 and is highly reliable. Oil engines are a mature technology and highly reliable to work with.

Disadvantages of Oil based power plant.

1) Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) – One of the biggest Disadvantages of Oil is that it releases Carbon Dioxide which has been sequestered for millions of years in the dead bodies of plant and animals. This transfers the Carbon from the Earth to the Environment leading to the Global Warming Effect. Global Treaties have failed in putting a Cost on this, though individual countries are tying to account for this through Carbon Taxes and Cap and Trade.

2) Pollution of Water and Earth – Oil Spills have caused massive pollution of water bodies as massive oil supertankers lead oil. This leads to the death of thousands of animals and fishes every year beside devastating the local ecology. The BP Oil Spill caused billions of dollars in losses and even to this day small Oil Spills keep happening.

3)Emission of Harmful Substances like Sulfur Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Acid Rain – Oil Plants emit harmful substances such as Sulfur Dioxide which cause health hazards among the surrounding population and Acid Rain. While modern equipment has reduced the emission of these harmful substances, it is still very harmful to humans.