Saudi companies in Saudi Arabia launched 7 new Solar energy projects as a part of Saudi Arabia's vision 2030. These projects will diversify the economy and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, thus proving to be reliable renewable energy sources. These projects include Ar Rass II Solar Power Plant, Al Sadawai IPP Solar Power Plant, Amaala Solar Power Plant, and many more.   

Saudi Arabia is the leader in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region with an operational capacity of 2.1 GW PV (Photovoltaics), and 5.3 GW is under construction and is likely to be commissioned by 2025. A Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) report says that Saudi Arabia in the MENA (Middle East North America) region set a renewable energy target of 58.7 GW by 2030, of which 40 GW will be solar PV. This goal is aligned with the National Renewable Energy Plan (NERP).

In this blog, we'll explore the Top 7 upcoming solar power projects in Saudi Arabia, leading Saudi Arabia's transition toward a sustainable future.

Top 7 Upcoming Solar Projects in Saudi Arabia (Based on Capacity)

Ar Rass II Solar Power Plant

Ar Rass II Solar Power Plant, built in the AI-Qassim, is one of the most significant solar power projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Wholly owned by PIF (Public Investment Fund), Badeel and ACWA Power are major investors in this project. Together in a consortium, they have invested USD 2000 Million. 

This project is in the planning stage, and ACWA Power Company is the developer. It is a ground-mounted solar farm project and will likely start construction in 2025. The upcoming solar project in Saudi Arabia is expected to begin its commercial operation in 2026. The solar power generated will be sold to Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) under a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) of a fixed period.

Al Sadawi IPP Solar Power Plant

The Al Sadawi Independent Power Producer (IPP) Solar Power Plant is located in Al Sadawi, Easter Province, and has an installed capacity of 2000 MW. It will be one of the largest solar power plants in Saudi Arabia. Developed by the Saudi Renewable Energy Company (SREC), this plant will provide electricity to the national grid, supporting the country's sustainability and carbon reduction goals. 

Monocrystalline PV (photovoltaic) panels covering 500 hectares are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 300,000 tons annually. The project, currently under construction and slated for commissioning in December 2024, represents a USD 300 Million investment and includes a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). The construction phase will likely create around 1,000 jobs with 100 permanent positions, thus boosting employment opportunities. 

Saad II Solar Power Plant

Sadd II Solar PV Park is a 1,125 MW solar PV plant that will be built in Saad, Central Province. Currently in the planning phase and will likely begin construction in 2025. ACWA Power is developing this project as a ground-mounted solar PV project in a single phase. ACWA Power owns a 50% stake in this project, and the electricity generated will be sold to Saudi Power Procurement Co under a PPA. Saad II Solar PV Park will enter its commercial operations by 2026.

Al Masa’a IPP Solar Power Plant

The Al Masa’a IPP Solar Power Plant is being developed as a part of Saudi Arabia's National Renewable Energy Program (NREP). NREP is an initiative under KSA's Vision 2030 and King Salman to increase clean energy in Saudi Arabia. The Al Masa is a 1000 MW solar PV system developed by the SPPC in the Hail province, approximately 290 km north of Riyadh's capital.

The project uses bifacial solar panel technology that captures sunlight on both sides of the solar panels, enhancing energy efficiency and aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Al Masa’a IPP is in the pre-development stage, with SPPC having completed the tendering process. 

Al Henakiyah 2 Solar Power Plant

Al Henakiyah 2 Solar PV is a 400 MW Project announced as part of Round 5 projects bidding in Saudi Arabia. This project was announced by Saudi Gulf Projects and will initiate the bidding process in the coming months. It will be developed in a single phase as a ground-mounted solar PV project in Al Madinah. This project will likely begin construction in 2025 and enter its operational phase by 2027.  

Several bidders from the Middle East are shortlisted for awarding this project, including JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd. (Jinko Power), Canadian Solar Inc., First Solar Inc., Sunrun Inc., and Enphase Energy Inc.

Tabarjal Solar Power Plant

The Tabarjal 400 MW Solar PV project is awarded to Jinko Power Technology Co, Ltd, with a stake of 33.33%. This project will be developed as a ground-mounted solar power project by Jinko Power Technology. The project construction will start in 2025 and enter its commercial operation by 2026. 

It is located approximately 17 km northeast of Tabarjal, in the Al-Jouf Province, KSA. The electricity produced from this project will be sold to SPPC through a 25-year PPA. It is designed as a bifacial solar panel, one of the latest technologies that will capture sunlight on the front and back sides of the panels, enhancing the overall efficiency. This plant is expected to reduce about 717 thousand metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. 

Amaala Solar Power Plant

A consortium of EDF and Masdar is developing the Amaala Solar Power Plant. This project is currently in the development phase. The solar power plant will have a capacity to generate up to 410,000 MWh annually, which is sufficient to power approximately 10,000 households each year. The project also includes a 700 MWh battery storage system to ensure a consistent and reliable renewable energy supply. 

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia is making significant developments in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims for renewable energy within the GCC and MENA regions. The upcoming projects, such as the Ar Rass II, Al Sadawi, Saad II, Al Masa’a, Al Henakiyah 2, Tabarjal, and Amaala solar power plants, collectively contribute to the country's goal of achieving 58.7 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with 40 GW coming from solar PV.

The Kingdom’s focus on solar energy aligns with global trends toward renewable energy sources, underscoring the importance of a sustainable and environmentally friendly future. With these efforts, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to becoming a global hub for renewable energy, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable world. 

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