Bahrain and ACWA Power Partner on 2.8 GW Solar Project in Saudi Arabia

In a landmark move for regional energy cooperation, Bahrain’s national oil company, Bapco Energies, has entered into a significant partnership with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power. The two entities signed a joint development agreement in December 2025 to develop a massive 2.8 GW solar power project, which will be strategically located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

This ambitious initiative represents one of the most significant cross-border renewable energy projects in the Middle East.

A Cross-Border Collaboration on the Saudi Arabia solar project

The core of the agreement is the development of a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) facility integrated with a battery energy storage system. While the project will be physically located within Saudi Arabia, its entire electrical output is designated for Bahrain. The generated clean energy will be transmitted to Bapco Energies’ load center in Bahrain via an interconnected transmission system, directly supporting the island nation’s growing energy demands and climate action goals.

This innovative approach allows Bahrain to leverage Saudi Arabia’s vast land resources and excellent solar irradiation, overcoming its own geographical constraints to access utility-scale renewable power. The inclusion of battery storage is a critical component, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply to Bahrain’s grid, even during non-peak solar hours.

Bolstering Regional Green Energy Leadership with the Saudi Arabia solar project

This partnership not only strengthens bilateral ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also highlights the region’s accelerating transition towards a sustainable energy future. For ACWA Power, a leading developer of power and water desalination projects, this agreement adds to a growing portfolio of international and domestic renewable energy ventures.

The company has been actively expanding its footprint, recently launching operations at major solar projects within Saudi Arabia and signing agreements for a 5 GW renewable energy program in Türkiye. This collaboration with Bapco Energies further solidifies ACWA Power’s position as a key driver of the energy transition across the Middle East and beyond.

The 2.8 GW solar project is a testament to the forward-thinking energy strategies of both nations, paving the way for a more integrated, resilient, and sustainable energy landscape in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).