Date of Award

2027

Degree Type

Restricted to Claremont Colleges Dissertation

Degree Name

Information Systems and Technology, PhD

Program

Center for Information Systems and Technology

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair

Wallace Chipidza

Dissertation or Thesis Committee Member

June Hilton

Dissertation or Thesis Committee Member

Warren Roberts

Dissertation or Thesis Committee Member

Sarah Osailan

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

© 2025 Alaa Alharthi

Keywords

Spatial suitability analysis, Renewable energy awareness, GIS-MCDM model, Solar energy, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This research aimed to measure the levels of renewable energy awareness among citizens in Saudi Arabia and identify the most suitable areas for solar and wind energy projects. A survey was created to capture citizens' awareness of renewable energy in general, specifically their awareness of potential nearby renewable energy resources. Citizens were asked a series of questions related to this awareness, followed by questions utilizing a map to identify where renewable energy resources could be built in their surrounding community. The survey revealed key insights, such as a strong correlation between understanding solar and wind energy, indicating that raising awareness about one form of renewable energy can positively influence perceptions of the other. Additionally, the research highlighted the importance of community perception and local government involvement in shaping public attitudes towards renewable energy, suggesting that visible local endorsements can foster greater public support.The study employed a spatial GIS-MCDM model, designed to perform geospatial analysis for wind and solar energy in Saudi Arabia through the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). The first cycle of the study identified suitable regions for solar energy, including Tabuk, Al-Riyadh, Makkah Al-Mokarramah, Al-Baha, and Aseer, encompassing approximately 32,000 km² for class 4 suitability. For wind farms, regions such as Al-Mintaqah Al-Sharqiyah, Al-Riyadh, Tabuk, and Makkah Al-Mokarramah were identified, covering around 200,000 km² and accounting for 14.43% of the total suitable area for classes 3 and 4. Environmental and aesthetic concerns were also found to influence public opinion, with a correlation between concerns about one form of renewable energy and the other. This suggests the need for holistic strategies that address environmental and aesthetic impacts to reduce opposition and increase acceptance. These findings were validated by operational and potential solar and wind stations, demonstrating the study's consistency with the country's energy plans. Additionally, the survey results show that respondents are generally open to change and have a positive attitude toward renewable energy development, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and sustainability in their communities. Policymakers can leverage this forward-looking mindset to frame renewable energy projects as opportunities for positive transformation. The study highlights the importance of enhancing public awareness, promoting investment in research and development, and engaging with the community through public consultation. Furthermore, the economic potential of renewable energy emerged as a key driver of public support, with strong correlations between the belief that renewable energy can expand the economy and benefit the country. Emphasizing job creation, business growth, and economic development in communication strategies could be a powerful way to secure public endorsement for renewable energy initiatives.

ISBN

9798265475657

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Available for download on Thursday, December 09, 2027

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