Saudi Arabia to See 2.8 GW Solar Project
In a significant move to bolster renewable energy capacity in the Middle East, Saudi utility giant ACWA Power has announced a strategic partnership with Bahrain-based Bapco Energies. The collaboration is set to develop a massive 2.8 gigawatt (GW) solar power project in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, complete with an integrated battery energy storage system.
This ambitious project marks a major step forward in the region’s clean energy transition and highlights the growing cross-border cooperation on sustainable development goals.
A Phased Approach to the Saudi Arabia solar project
The planned 2.8 GW solar facility is set to be developed in multiple phases, underscoring the scale and long-term vision of the partnership. The inclusion of battery energy storage is a critical component, enabling the plant to provide a more reliable and consistent power supply, even when the sun is not shining. This helps to overcome the intermittency challenges often associated with solar power and enhances grid stability.
This development reinforces ACWA Power’s strategic focus on expanding its renewable energy portfolio and solidifies its position as a key player in the global energy transition.
Strategic Expansion and the Saudi Arabia solar project
The announcement comes as ACWA Power continues its aggressive regional expansion. The company recently finalized a significant $693 million acquisition of power and water assets in both Bahrain and Kuwait from ENGIE SA’s Kahrabel FZE.
This major transaction included acquiring stakes in several key facilities:
* In Bahrain: 45% stakes in both the Al-Ezzel and Al-Dur power plants, and a 30% stake in the Al-Hidd facility.
* In Kuwait: An 18% stake in the Az Zour North plant.
Collectively, these acquisitions add 4.6 GW of gas-fired power generation and 1.1 million cubic meters per day of water desalination capacity to ACWA Power’s portfolio. While these assets are conventional, the move demonstrates the company’s financial strength and strategic intent to deepen its footprint across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) energy sector, providing a strong foundation for its renewable energy ventures.
Powering a Sustainable Future with the Saudi Arabia solar project
The partnership between ACWA Power and Bapco Energies is a powerful signal of the shared commitment between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain to diversify their energy mix. By leveraging their respective strengths, the two nations are poised to accelerate the development of clean energy infrastructure.
While further details on the project’s specific timeline and financing are expected to be released as the development progresses, this 2.8 GW solar initiative stands as a landmark project that will significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy targets and the broader decarbonization efforts across the region.
