Tarshid Completes Energy Efficiency Retrofit at Jazan University

The National Energy Services Company (Tarshid) and Jazan University have completed a comprehensive energy efficiency retrofit project across 80 university buildings and facilities, targeting an estimated 25% reduction in annual electricity consumption. The project, announced via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), aligns with the Kingdom’s sustainability goals under Saudi Vision 2030 and sets a new benchmark for energy performance in Saudi higher education.

Context and Background

Tarshid was established in 2017 as Saudi Arabia’s leading energy services company (ESCO), mandated to drive energy efficiency across the public and private sectors. The company supports the Kingdom’s strategic sustainability objectives by integrating energy efficiency, operational efficiency, and clean energy solutions. This latest project at Jazan University, located in the southwest region of Saudi Arabia, is part of Tarshid’s broader mission to reduce energy consumption in large facilities. The collaboration reflects a growing trend in Saudi Arabia to modernize infrastructure and reduce carbon footprints in line with international best practices.

Key Details

According to Waled bin Abdullah Al-Ghreri, Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Tarshid, the project involved comprehensive site surveys and technical assessments that identified significant opportunities to improve energy performance. The retrofit included 15 key energy efficiency measures: upgrades to control systems, air-conditioning, and lighting; replacement of chiller control units; optimization of air handling unit schedules; and installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs). Additionally, Tarshid rehabilitated lighting systems by replacing conventional lighting with high-performance LED solutions and installing occupancy sensors and smart motion detectors.

The project targets an annual electricity consumption baseline of approximately 181 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). Following the retrofit, annual consumption is expected to drop to around 135 million kWh, a targeted reduction of about 25%. The anticipated energy savings are equivalent to conserving more than 70,000 barrels of oil equivalent annually and delivering an environmental impact comparable to planting over 430,000 seedlings each year.

Implications and Impact

This project demonstrates the scalability and effectiveness of energy efficiency retrofits in large institutions. It also underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to reducing energy intensity and achieving environmental sustainability. For Jazan University, the retrofit will lower operational costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward academic and research activities. Regionally, it serves as a model for other universities and government entities seeking to enhance energy performance. Internationally, it reinforces the Kingdom’s role in global sustainability efforts and climate action.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and improved quality of life. By reducing energy consumption and emissions, Tarshid contributes to the Kingdom’s target of reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes per annum by 2030. The project exemplifies how Saudi Arabia is leveraging energy efficiency to drive sustainable development while ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens and the planet.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the main achievement of the Tarshid-Jazan University project?

A1. The project completed an energy efficiency retrofit across 80 university buildings, targeting a 25% reduction in annual electricity consumption, equivalent to saving over 70,000 barrels of oil annually.

Q2. Who announced the completion of the project?

A2. The completion was announced via the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), highlighting the collaboration between Tarshid and Jazan University.

Q3. What is Tarshid’s role in Saudi Arabia?

A3. Tarshid is Saudi Arabia’s leading energy services company, established in 2017 to promote energy efficiency and sustainability in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Q4. How many buildings were included in the retrofit?

A4. The project covered 80 university buildings and facilities at Jazan University.

Q5. What energy efficiency measures were implemented?

A5. Measures included upgrades to control systems, air-conditioning, and lighting, plus chiller control replacements, air handling unit optimization, and variable frequency drive installations.

Q6. What is the expected reduction in electricity consumption?

A6. Annual consumption is expected to drop from 181 million kWh to 135 million kWh, a reduction of about 25%.

Q7. What are the environmental benefits of the project?

A7. The savings equate to conserving over 70,000 barrels of oil equivalent annually and planting more than 430,000 seedlings each year, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Q8. Who is the CEO of Tarshid?

A8. Waled bin Abdullah Al-Ghreri is the Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of Tarshid.

Q9. How does the project support Saudi Vision 2030?

A9. It advances sustainability, reduces energy intensity, and contributes to the Kingdom’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes per annum by 2030.

Q10. What are variable frequency drives (VFDs)?

A10. VFDs are devices that control motor speed and torque, improving operational efficiency in air handling units and other equipment.

Q11. What lighting upgrades were made?

A11. Conventional lighting was replaced with high-performance LED solutions, and occupancy sensors and smart motion detectors were installed.

Q12. When was Tarshid established?

A12. Tarshid was established in 2017 as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency.

Q13. What is the baseline annual electricity consumption?

A13. The baseline was approximately 181 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) before the retrofit.

Q14. How much will annual consumption decrease to?

A14. It is expected to decrease to approximately 135 million kWh after the retrofit.

Q15. What is the significance of the project for Jazan University?

A15. It lowers operational costs and allows more resources for academic and research activities, while enhancing campus sustainability.

Q16. What sector does this project primarily impact?

A16. It impacts the education sector by making university facilities more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Q17. How does this project compare internationally?

A17. It aligns with global best practices in energy efficiency, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainability and climate action.

Q18. What are the financial benefits of the retrofit?

A18. Reduced electricity consumption leads to significant cost savings for the university, which can be redirected to other priorities.

Q19. What is the expected environmental impact in terms of seedlings?

A19. The environmental impact is comparable to planting more than 430,000 seedlings annually, improving air quality and reducing carbon footprint.

Q20. What future projects can be expected from Tarshid?

A20. Tarshid continues to support Saudi Vision 2030 by implementing energy efficiency projects across various sectors, with more initiatives likely to follow.

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