An Oil Minister, Plugging Renewables? January 30, 2012, 4:04 pm When you think of proponents of green energy, the Saudi oil minister may not be the first person who comes to mind. But in a speech on Monday on London, Ali al-Naimi, the minister from OPEC's leading member nation, had a lot to say about renewable energy and global warming. "Greenhouse gas emissions and global warming are among humanity's most pressing concerns," said Mr. Naimi, the minister for petroleum and mineral resources. Societal expectations on climate change are real, and our industry is expected to take a leadership role. We are doing this in Saudi Arabia. Don't expect Saudi Arabia, which pumps over 10 million barrels of oil a day - more than 12 percent of total world production - to shut down its oil rigs any time soon. In fact, Mr. Naimi was quick to note that "the fact remains that oil will continue to play a major role in the overall energy mix for many decades." "It is clear that a petroleum-free transportation system is decades away," he said. All the same, Mr. Naimi was definitely distancing himself from the politicians and oil executives who persist in challenging the science behind global warming. In his speech, he gave a big plug to solar energy, perhaps not surprising since his kingdom is bathed in sunlight all year long and wants to blanket some of its vast desert with solar panels. But before environmentalists exult in a new ally, they might consider one of the prime reasons Mr. Naimi likes solar power. With the Saudi population growing and becoming more prosperous, domestic consumption of oil is rising, leaving less for export. Solar may be an answer. "I see renewable energy sources as supplementing existing sources, helping to prolong our continued export of crude oil," the Saudi minister said.