Mubarak Mohgoub

Mubarak Mohgoub, who holds a 52859WA Graduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Technologies from the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), shares how his education has shaped his career and discusses the challenges and opportunities for renewable energy in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

How did your experience at EIT and their hands-on approach shape your understanding of renewable energy technologies?

EIT’s hands-on approach greatly contributed to my understanding and knowledge of renewable energy technologies, giving me real-world experience that I could immediately apply.

What sparked your initial interest in engineering, and how did your passion evolve during your time studying renewable energy technologies?

For many, the initial interest in engineering starts with curiosity about the things around us and how they work, along with a love of math and science in school. As I moved through my engineering studies, I saw renewable energy as one of the most important applications with great potential for future sustainability. My interest in renewable energy grew as I recognized its crucial role in addressing global challenges and contributing to a sustainable future.

EIT Saudi Student on The Rewards of a Graduate Certificate

How do you stay motivated to push boundaries in the field?

Staying motivated comes from continuous learning and staying updated in the field. Renewable energy is a dynamic area with constant innovation, and knowing that this field contributes to building a sustainable future keeps me engaged. The more I learn, the more I understand the value I can add in creating a sustainable future, which fuels my drive to push boundaries.

How can renewable energy technologies be adapted to suit Saudi Arabia’s unique climate and infrastructure?

The unique climate and infrastructure of Saudi Arabia make it ideal for certain renewable energy technologies. For solar energy, the region’s high solar irradiance makes it perfect for solar energy projects. Wind energy is another area with great potential, particularly in coastal and desert areas where wind speeds are favorable.

In terms of infrastructure, grid integration will be key. Smart grid technology and energy storage solutions will be crucial to balancing supply and demand, ensuring the reliable delivery of renewable energy even when production is intermittent.

With Vision 2030 focusing on economic diversification, how do you see engineering roles evolving in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector?

Vision 2030 is a transformative plan for Saudi Arabia, aiming to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. This will significantly impact engineering roles, particularly in the renewable energy and sustainable development sectors.

There will be a growing demand for engineers to lead and innovate in renewable energy projects, helping to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and promote sustainability. The shift toward green energy will create new job opportunities and require engineers to be adaptable to the latest technologies and systems.

How can engineers, especially those in renewable energy, contribute to green cities like NEOM and the Red Sea Project?

The creation of green cities like NEOM and the Red Sea Project presents an incredible opportunity for renewable energy engineers to make a significant impact. Engineers specializing in renewable energy will be involved in developing energy management and energy storage solutions, ensuring the cities run on sustainable and renewable sources of power. Additionally, engineers will play a role in designing sustainable buildings that minimize energy consumption and contribute to a greener urban environment.

What role will renewable energy play in transforming Saudi Arabia’s economy, and how can engineers accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy landscape?

Renewable energy will play a transformative role in the future of Saudi Arabia’s economy by contributing to diversification, sustainability, and innovation. As the country moves away from oil dependence, renewable energy will drive economic growth and job creation. Additionally, using renewable energy will help reduce emissions and preserve natural resources for future generations.

Engineers will be instrumental in accelerating this transition by designing, implementing, and optimizing renewable energy systems. They will also drive innovation by integrating new technologies into the existing energy landscape and promoting sustainability through various renewable energy projects.

How will the integration of solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources impact engineering practices in Saudi Arabia’s power sector in the next 5 to 10 years?

As solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources are increasingly integrated into Saudi Arabia’s power sector, engineering practices will need to evolve to accommodate the variable nature of these energy sources. Engineers will be required to develop and implement smart grid systems to balance supply and demand effectively. Additionally, energy storage systems will play a key role in ensuring a stable energy supply.

The increased focus on renewable energy will require engineers to adapt their skills and knowledge to work with advanced technologies and create efficient systems that integrate these renewable sources into the national grid.

What are some common misconceptions about renewable energy, particularly in the Middle East?

There are several misconceptions about renewable energy that need to be addressed, especially in the context of the Middle East:

Mubarak’s insights highlight both the challenges and exciting opportunities that lie ahead for Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector. As the country shifts toward more sustainable energy practices, engineers like Mubarak will be at the forefront of driving this transformation.