Desert Technologies will invest SAR 750 million (USD 200 million/EUR 183.4 million) to establish a 5-GW solar factory in Jeddah’s third industrial zone on Saudi Arabia’s west coast.
Desert Technologies and Modon Partner to Build Solar Factory in Jeddah
Desert Technologies—a leading Saudi renewable energy company and one of the nation’s first to manufacture and export solar panels—has partnered with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, “Modon,” to establish an industrial complex in Jeddah’s third industrial city.
With an investment of SAR 750 million (USD 200 million), the factory will produce solar panels and cells with an annual capacity of up to 5 GW. The project aims to meet rising local demand for solar energy solutions and bolster Saudi Arabia’s position in the global non-oil export markets.
In 2021, Modon unveiled plans to establish 23 new factories across Saudi Arabia to boost the country’s domestic solar PV manufacturing capacity—including thin-film solar panels, inverters, and metal tripods—and strengthen the supply chain. The initiative aims to provide over 360,000 square meters of space across 12 industrial cities, including the three in Jeddah.
Facility Details and Production Capacity
The planned facility will be built in Jeddah’s third industrial zone on land allocated by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, “Modon.” Spanning 170,000 square meters, it will feature advanced production lines with a capacity of 2 GW for solar panels and 3 GW for solar cells.
This major development will establish one of the Kingdom’s largest photovoltaic manufacturing centers, solidifying Desert Technologies’ position as a key player in producing renewable energy technologies within Saudi Arabia.
Advancing Sustainable Energy and Vision 2030 Goals
Khaled Sharbatly, CEO of Desert Technologies, described the project as a major milestone in the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy. He noted the facility will utilize cutting-edge manufacturing technologies aligned with global quality standards to serve the local market and boost Saudi exports. Sharbatly added that this initiative reflects the strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals by strengthening the renewable energy value chain and localizing advanced industries in the Kingdom.
This initiative is part of a larger effort to localize manufacturing technology and drive the growth of green energy in Saudi Arabia. Other related projects include production facilities for solar panels, wind turbines, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), highlighting the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and fostering sustainable practices. Saudi Arabia aims to locally produce 75% of renewable energy components by 2030 as part of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.
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