The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and EDF Renewables have signed a landmark 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for the 600 MW Samtah Solar PV Independent Power Project in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. This project, set to begin operations in the first quarter of 2028, is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s ambitious efforts to diversify its energy mix and significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Samtah Solar Project: A Key Step in Saudi Energy Goals
The Samtah Solar Project is a significant leap forward in Saudi Arabia’s energy transition, directly aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP). This national initiative aims to generate 50% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, drastically reducing its historical reliance on fossil fuels.
The project is a consortium development by SEC and EDF Power Solutions, which will finance, build, own, and operate the plant. The PPA was signed with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), the principal buyer of power in the Kingdom. Located approximately 35 km southwest of Jazan city, the plant, once operational, will provide clean energy to over 100,000 households annually. This will displace nearly 1 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year while simultaneously boosting the local economy through job creation and the promotion of sustainable practices.
Investment and Global Impact of the Samtah Solar Project
The Samtah Solar Project is part of a much larger national strategy. It was awarded as part of an auction that secured 4.5 GW of new solar and wind capacity, contributing to a pipeline of ongoing projects that will bring Saudi Arabia’s total renewable capacity to 43.2 GW. This massive undertaking underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to becoming a global hub for clean energy.
A key indicator of the project’s efficiency is its remarkably low Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of approximately US$1.49 cents per kWh, reflecting the highly competitive cost of solar power in the region. Understanding the factors that contribute to this, such as the solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown, is crucial to appreciating the project’s economic viability. This initiative is a core component of Vision 2030, which seeks to position the Kingdom as a world leader in renewable energy, ensuring long-term economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.
EDF Renewables: A Global Leader Contributing to the Samtah Solar Project
EDF Renewables is a global powerhouse in the renewable energy sector, specializing in the development, construction, and operation of solar and wind power plants. With 31 GW of renewable capacity worldwide as of March 2025, the company is a pivotal player in the global energy transition. The Samtah project will bring EDF’s renewable capacity in Saudi Arabia alone to 4.1 GW, reinforcing its commitment to the region’s clean energy goals.
The partnership between EDF Renewables and SEC highlights the critical role of international collaboration in achieving ambitious sustainability targets. This project not only advances Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy ambitions but also demonstrates how large-scale renewable projects, built on the basics of solar panel manufacturing, can deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits.
Samtah Solar Project: A Model for Sustainable Development
The Samtah Solar Project serves as a powerful model for other nations looking to accelerate their transition to renewable energy. By integrating an advanced solar panel manufacturing process that utilizes high-efficiency solar panel raw materials, the project enhances energy security, slashes greenhouse gas emissions, and supports the global fight against climate change. The scale of such developments can influence global energy markets, which in turn can impact energy prices for consumers everywhere, including homeowners and tenants in Germany.
The project’s success is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships between government bodies and private sector leaders in driving the renewable energy agenda. As Saudi Arabia continues its significant investments, the Kingdom is poised to become a dominant force in the global renewable energy market.
The Samtah Solar Project is more than a milestone for Saudi Arabia; it is a significant contribution to the global renewable energy landscape. By setting ambitious targets and fostering international partnerships, Saudi Arabia is helping to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future for all. To learn more about the intricate details of bringing such projects to life, explore our free e-course on solar manufacturing.