On March 3, 2026, the Electrical Engineering Department at KFUPM hosted a seminar titled “An Overview of the Development of Long Range Generation Plan for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” delivered by Mr. Firoz Ahmad (Lecturer, Electrical Engineering Department) in Building 59, Room 1001.

During the seminar, Mr. Ahmad provided an overview of the long-range generation planning process for the electricity sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He explained that the objective of this process is to develop a least-cost generation plan based on future demand while maintaining adequate reserve levels to ensure continuity of power supply.

Mr. Ahmad discussed how the study uses STRATEGIST software, which applies dynamic programming to determine the least-cost plan that satisfies reliability indices and reserve constraints. He highlighted key reliability measures and outputs used in planning, including standard indices such as loss-of-load expectation (LOLE), expected unserved energy, and area deficiencies, and noted how these indices can support the development of generation expansion plans. He also touched on how supply-side options—such as unit type and size for candidate expansion—are considered within the planning framework.

The following are the highlights of the event: