by Catie Owen | Sep 22, 2025 | Market Reports, Middle East
This report explores Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving solar and storage market, charting its role in achieving Vision 2030 renewable targets. Inside, readers will find a clear market overview, including capacity goals, investment trends, and policy drivers shaping solar adoption.
It profiles flagship projects such as Sudair, Sakaka, and Rabigh, alongside initiatives encouraging residential uptake. Dedicated sections examine battery energy storage growth, advanced PV and CSP technologies, and opportunities in hybrid systems.
The report also highlights wind developments and localisation efforts – manufacturing, workforce training, and supply-chain integration – helping position the Kingdom as a regional clean-energy hub.
Download the report and tap into the power of Saudi Arabia’s clean-energy revolution.
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by Catie Owen | Aug 20, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Middle East
Masdar, alongside GD Power and Korea Electric Power Corporation, has achieved financial close on the 2GW Al Sadawi solar PV project in Saudi Arabia.
The project is part of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), overseen by the Ministry of Energy.
Eight regional and international lenders will provide financing facilities to cover a large portion of the estimated US$1.1bn project cost.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said:
“Masdar is actively committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s clean energy objectives and this landmark project will add to our growing portfolio in the Kingdom.
“Today’s announcement marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s clean energy journey, with the Al Sadawi plant set to be one of the largest solar power projects in the world.
We look forward to working closely with our partners to achieve full energisation for the project, which will help shape the future of clean energy for the Kingdom.”
The Al Sadawi Independent Power Producer (IPP) Project supports Saudi Arabia’s Energy Mix target of sourcing 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030.
Expected to be among the world’s largest solar plants, it will play a role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable development in the Kingdom.
Located in the Eastern Province, the project will be developed under a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) model. A 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) in 2024.
The plant is scheduled to begin generation at full capacity in early 2027, with commercial operations also targeted for that year.
by Catie Owen | Jul 28, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Large Scale Utility Solar, Middle East
Saudi Arabia and Syria have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation across a range of energy sectors, following a ministerial meeting held in Riyadh.
The meeting brought together Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Syria’s Minister of Energy, Eng. Mohammad al-Bashir.
Discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in areas including oil and its supplies, electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
The ministers also reviewed potential investment opportunities and discussed ways to exchange expertise in the development of energy projects, policies, and regulatory frameworks. These efforts are intended to support the development of Syria’s energy sector.
Following the talks, the two sides signed an MoU outlining plans to deepen cooperation in several key areas. These include oil and gas, petrochemicals, electricity, electrical interconnection, and renewable energy.
The agreement reflects a shared interest in enhancing bilateral ties within the energy field and exploring long-term collaboration to support the development goals of both nations.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy commented on the news on X (formerly known as Twitter), describing the meeting between the two ministers as “to discuss topics of mutual interest and explore opportunities for cooperation between the two countries across various energy sectors.”
[Image credit: The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Energy on X]
by Manas Sahu | May 19, 2025 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Chinese technology firm Leapting Technology is set to provide its unmanned intelligent robotic solutions for the construction of 3.5 GW of solar parks by Indian engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in Saudi Arabia.
As part of a cooperation agreement signed on Friday, Leapting will deploy multiple automatic navigation photovoltaic (PV) module mounting robots during the construction phase. These robots will install modules across two infrastructure sites within a single complex, spanning tens of millions of square metres. The use of robotics aims to maintain the project timeline, which has been challenged by a shortage of human resources and extreme working conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius.
The robots have successfully undergone all testing and packaging procedures at Leapting’s factory in Huzhou and are scheduled for shipment to Saudi Arabia in May. Once on site, they are expected to install “hundreds of thousands” of PV modules within six months.
This collaboration with L&T follows Leapting’s successful commercial deployment of an AI-driven PV module installation robot in Australia. According to the company, its module mounting robots are three to five times more efficient than traditional manual methods and can reduce overall construction time by 25%.
by Catie Owen | Apr 14, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Middle East
JinkoSolar has confirmed it will supply 1.75GW of its N-type TOPCon Tiger Neo photovoltaic modules to two major solar projects in Saudi Arabia.
The AHK2 (500MW) and MAS (1250MW) developments form part of the country’s Fifth Round Renewable Energy Program, led by EDF Renewables and SPIC Huanghe Hydropower Development Co., Ltd., with PowerChina Guizhou Engineering Corporation also involved in the contracts.
This agreement marks JinkoSolar’s second significant collaboration with EDF Renewables, following the 1.8GW PV3 Al Ajban project in Abu Dhabi.
The projects are situated in desertification-prone areas of Medina and Ha’il Provinces, where extreme temperatures, drought, and sandstorms pose ongoing challenges.
JinkoSolar’s N-type TOPCon Tiger Neo modules were selected for their high efficiency and durability under harsh environmental conditions.
Key features include a high bifaciality rate of up to 85%, low degradation rates, and strong resistance to UV damage, wind loads, and dust accumulation.
Empirical studies suggest these modules could boost overall energy yields by approximately 3.38%, with even higher gains in areas of increased ground reflectivity.
In addition to delivering clean energy, the projects aim to support desert restoration efforts by reducing ground temperatures and improving soil quality, creating conditions for vegetation recovery.
The developments align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy and its National Renewable Energy Program, contributing to regional energy transition and environmental resilience.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 26, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has launched the sixth phase of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), initiated by the Saudi Arabian government. As part of this initiative, an RFQ has been released for the development of 3 GW of solar energy capacity across four distinct projects.
Among the planned facilities is a substantial 1.4 GW (AC) solar plant located near Hima in Najran province. Additionally, a second facility with a capacity of 600 MW (AC) is proposed near Ad Darb in Jizan province. SPPC is also looking to assign a 600 MW (AC) project set for Jazan and a 400 MW (AC) project near Al Sufun in Hail province.
Developers chosen for these projects will be required to implement a build-own-operate (BOO) model for the construction and management of the facilities. The deadline for pre-qualification submissions for the tender is 15th October.
by Catie Owen | Aug 22, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar, Storage
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Project will be powered by clean energy, as the Kingdom is building a 400MW solar microgrid with 1.3GWh of storage capacity.
The solar and BESS site is expected to be the world’s largest solar storage microgrid project and will utilise Huawei’s FusionSolar Smart String ESS technology.
Red Sea Global, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), will be responsible for building the site in a 28,000sqkm area of the Talbuk province.
ACWA Power, a developer based in Riyadh, will lead the construction, engineering, and maintenance of the plant.
The Saudi Vision 2030 initiative includes several Red Sea Global projects in its timeline, including the company’s solar and BESS project. Red Sea City, included in Red Sea Global’s projects, expects to build 50 hotels with 8,000 rooms and 1,000 homes across the 22-island archipelago to house 1m annual visitors.
These buildings and their amenities will be powered by off-grid renewable energy, from sources such as Red Sea Global’s solar BESS plant.
by Catie Owen | Aug 15, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar
China Energy Engineering Corp (CEEC) has signed a ¥6.98bn Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a solar PV plant in Saudi Arabia.
The solar PV plant will be 2GW, developed jointly between the China Energy Engineering consortium and their Saudi Arabian partners over 31 months.
The partners include the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), ACWA Power and Saudi Aramco Power Company.
CEEC further explained that the PV plant’s site will be in Saudi Arabia’s Makkah province, and development by Special Purchase Vehicle (SPV) Buraiq Renewable Energy Company is currently underway.
The project is another addition to the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China’s respective solar industries, prompting several projects throughout 2024 as well as the launch of JinkoSolar’s N-Type plant.
by JaimieF | Apr 10, 2024 | Innovation
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Solar Market Report
Dubai, UAE 09/04/24 — The Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) is proud to announce the launch of the MESIA Net-Zero Champions Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future. The launch event, scheduled for April 16th, during the World Future Energy Summit, will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to celebrate this inauguration.
The MESIA Net-Zero Champions Program seeks to galvanize action on climate change by empowering organizations to commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by leveraging solar energy. “At MESIA, we recognize the critical role that the private sector plays in driving the transition to a sustainable energy future,” said Hinde Liepmannsohn, Executive Director at MESIA. “The Net-Zero Solar Champions Program is a call to action for organizations across the Middle East to lead by example and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.”
Key features of the MESIA Net-Zero Solar Champions Program include:
- Guidance and Support: Participating organizations will receive expert guidance and support to develop and implement robust strategies for achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
- Networking Opportunities: The program will facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participating organizations, fostering a community of leaders committed to sustainability.
- Recognition and Visibility: Net-Zero Solar Champions will be recognized for their leadership and commitment to sustainability, enhancing their reputation and brand value.
- Measurable Impact: The program will track and measure the carbon emissions reductions achieved by participating organizations, demonstrating tangible progress towards the goal of net-zero emissions.
The launch event, sponsored by Nextracker, JA Solar and Envision will gather over 200 solar professionals for networking and short welcome speeches.
For more information about the MESIA Net-Zero Champions Program and to register for the launch event, please visit http://www.mesia.com
About MESIA:
The Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting solar energy and sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa.
For questions about this release please contact Hinde Liepmannsohn hinde@mesia.com
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by Regan Slaymaker | Mar 6, 2024 | Market Reports
(Image credit: Arab News)
The solar industry in Saudi Arabia is on a consistent rise. The solar market has now reached pre-pandemic levels after covid affected the market. Saudi Arabia is now expected to reach 1028MW of capacity by the end of the 2024, registering a compound annual growth rate of 51% in the forecast period. A combination of supportive government policies, decreased fossil fuel dependency, and a conscious effort to distribute solar are expected to drive the market’s growth. The countries’ National Renewable Energy Programme has set a 40GW solar energy installed capacity target by 2030. At its current rate, Saudi Arabia are set to achieve this target.
What are Saudi Arabia’s solar market trends?
Solar PVs are expected to dominate the solar market in Saudi Arabia. The technologies constant decline in cost and versatility makes it the perfect choice for Saudi Arabia’s sun-rich environment. In 2021, the government in Saudi Arabia launched a green initiative to reinforce the countries commitment to have 50% of its total energy generation be from renewable energy. The nation’s ‘Vision 2030’ strategy has set the target of increasing the solar capacity to 40GW and installing 2.7GW of concentrated solar power by 2030. Saudi Arabia’s ‘Renewable Energy Project Development Office’, within the Ministry of Energy, is responsible for delivering the countries National Renewable Energy Program in line with ‘Vision 2030’. In 2012, Saudi Arabia’s total solar installed capacity stood at 14MW and by 2021 this reached 439MW. Solar PVs currently equal 88% of total solar energy capacity in Saudi Arabia.
What solar policies are in place in Saudi Arabia?
In order to reach the nation’s ‘Vision 2030’ strategy the government have directed the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to provide financial support for the renewable strategy. The PIF is currently mandated to invest $40bn annually to reach the ‘Vision 2030’ targets. These include:
- The 40GW and 2.7GW of installed solar capacity mentioned.
- Reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
- Establish net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- What projects have been launched in Saudi Arabia?
In September 2022, the Saudi Arabia Procurement Corporation launched 5 projects to generate electricity as a part of the National Renewable Energy Programme. 3 are wind projects, the other 2 are solar. Both solar projects are located in Al Hinakiyahand Tabarjalwould with one solar project having a 11MW capacity, the other has a 400MW capacity. In March 2022, Saudi Arabia awarded 1GW of total capacity to solar power projects. Saudi Power Procurement Company signed a 25year PPA for a 700MW plant with Al Ross Solar Energy Company. The company signed an agreement for 300MW solar plant, the contract was awarded to Jinko Solar and set to be built in Riyadh and will cost $213m. ACWA Power have signed an agreement with Badeel, the water and electricity company in Saudi Arabia, to build the world’s largest single-site solar plant in Al Shuaibah, Mecca Province. The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025 with a generating capacity of 2060MW. The project is both developed and operated as a 50/50 joint venture between ACWA and Badeel. Each project is backed by the Saudi Arabia Sovereign Wealth fund and the PIF who hold a 100% stake in ACWA and Badeel.
Saudi Arabia’s Energy Industry Overview
Saudi Arabia’s solar industry has a moderately fragmented market that is highly competitive with no dominant players. Significant companies operating in the region are:
- Alfanar Group
- Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company
- EDF Renewables
- Saudi Electricity company
- ACWA Power company
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by Regan Slaymaker | Feb 19, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
(Photo credit: David Sanchez via Electrek)
The growth of renewable electricity generation in Saudi Arabia has continued to rise.
The government in Saudi Arabia have set their ‘Vision 2030’ strategy for the country and have directed the ‘Public Investment Fund’ (PIF) to provide financial support for the renewable strategy.
Current targets for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy include:
- To develop 70% of the Kingdom’s renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- Reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
- Establish net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The PIF are currently mandated to invest $40bn annually to achieve these targets.
The explanation for such support for the renewable energy transition is because Net Zero is not only viewed as an environmental solution for Saudi Arabia but a major business opportunity.
Saudi Arabia seek to become the lowest-cost producer of renewable energy following on from already having the lowest solar power tariff available.
Solar projects in Saudi Arabia form a key part of the governments renewable energy programme.
Solar has a target of 40GW which would equal two thirds of total renewable energy capacity in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi utility company ACWA Power have signed an agreement with Badeel, water and electricity company in Saudi Arabia, to build the world’s largest single-site solar plant in Al Shuaibah, Mecca Province.
The facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2025 with a generating capacity of 2060MW.
The project is both developed and operated as a 50/50 joint venture between ACWA and Badeel. The two companies also lead the Sudair 1.5GW solar facilities.
Each project is backed by the Saudi Arabia Sovereign Wealth fund and the PIF who hold a 100% stake in ACWA and Badeel.
Overall, clean energy projects in Saudi Arabia are expected to see a continuous increase. The more projects that are developed, the more of Saudi Arabia’s climate objectives will be met.
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by Regan Slaymaker | Feb 8, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
(Photo credit: World Economic Forum)
The transition to renewable electricity generation is accelerating across the globe with the Middle East leading the way in the deployment of renewable technologies.
The potential for renewable technologies, especially Solar PV, has been fully capitalised on allowing clean energy generation to increase across the region.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is leading the energy transition in the Middle East.
The nation’s current target is to generate 50% of its electricity from carbon free technologies mainly driven by Solar PV.
Dubai itself is intending to generate 75% of its energy from renewable technologies by 2050.
The Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum Solar Park, located in Dubai, is the largest single site Solar Park in the World with a capacity of 5GW.
Its current capacity registers around 900MW and is set to be completed in 2030.
Saudi Arabia has set ambitious targets to increase its renewable capacity from 9.5GW to 27.3GW.
This target was set in the countries National Renewable Energy Program.
Of the 27.3GW, 20GW is set to come from Solar PV. Solar PV in Saudi Arabia has been accelerated by large utility scale projects in the region.
Regulations have forced power distributors to install rooftop Solar PV systems ranging from 1KW and 2MW for homeowners.
In Abu Dhabi, a new cycle of tenders has been distributed to increase solar capacity.
The solar park at Noor is the World’s largest Solar Park with a total of 1.18GW. The project is operational and uses over 32,000,000 solar panels to generate electricity.
One of the countries that received the highest radiation of solar in the Middle East is Oman.
The country has only recently begun operating in the solar industry but have begun building solar farms.
by Regan Slaymaker | Jan 30, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
(Image credit: The National News)
The Middle East is successfully transitioning away from a fossil fuel heavy electricity system to one based off renewable generation.
Clean energy capacity in the Middle East has doubled between 2010 and 2020 to 40GW, it is now forecast to double to 80GW by 2024.
The UAE is considered the industry leader when it comes to renewable energy generation.
A scale up of solar, wind, biomass and low-carbon hydrogen technologies have led the country to set a clean energy input target of 50% by 2050.
The Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum Solar Park is a key project that will assist the nation in reaching this goal. Operational since 2013, and soon to be the World’s largest single-site solar farm, the project is expected to reach 5GW by 2030.
This is enough electricity to power 320,000 homes and create 1280 energy sector jobs.
Saudi Arabia are targeting an energy from renewable sources to make up 50% of the energy by 2030. Solar farms are set to be the driving force of this target.
The Neom megacity in Saudi Arabia is currently under construction where the entire city will be powered by solar and other renewable technologies like wind power.
Saudi Arabia’s first wind farm, and the largest in the Middle East, began construction in 2019. The Dumat al-Jandal wind farm will be connected to the grid in 2030 and is expected to have an energy capacity of 400MW and create over 1000 jobs.
Overall, the Middle East has transitioned from an electricity supply of 98% fossil fuels to one soon to be dominated by renewable generation.
A combination of appropriate legislation, large scale projects and a shift in other countries position on net zero have influenced this change. So much so, solar power is set to account for 15% of the Middle East’s power mix by 2030.
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