Saudi Electricity Company and EDF Set to Transform Renewable Energy Landscape with 600 MW Solar Project

New Era for Renewable Energy in Saudi Arabia

In a remarkable development that marks a significant advance in the renewable energy sector of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and EDF power solutions have formed a consortium to launch a groundbreaking solar PV project in Samtah. This initiative is being undertaken under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy. The signing of the 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) represents a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to diversifying its energy sources.

Located in the Jazan Province, the Samtah solar project will boast an impressive capacity of 600 megawatts (MW) and is set to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2028. The plant is designed to supply clean energy to over 100,000 households annually, while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions by over 1.1 million tons each year. This monumental effort is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goal of generating 50% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030.

The ceremonial signing in Riyadh highlighted the involvement of prominent figures, including His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Minister of Energy, and Bernard Fontana, the Chairman and CEO of the EDF Group. The executives from both SEC and EDF power solutions expressed strong confidence in the project’s capacity to drive local economic growth while contributing to the sustainability goals set forth by the Vision 2030 plan.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The Samtah project stands out not only for its renewable energy generation capabilities but also for its potential to foster economic development within Saudi Arabia. A significant component of the project will involve sourcing a substantial proportion of materials, equipment, and services from local suppliers. This approach is designed to stimulate local industries, create job opportunities, and enhance the nation's capabilities in the renewable energy sector.

Khalid bin Salem AlGhamdi, CEO of the Saudi Electricity Company, emphasized the importance of this project in expanding the Kingdom's renewable energy portfolio. He articulated that this initiative is pivotal for transforming Saudi Arabia's power landscape, accentuating SEC's role as a national leader in energy transition efforts. The alignment with global sustainability practices and local economic imperatives demonstrates SEC's commitment to both environmental stewardship and community development.

Omar Al-Daweesh, CEO of EDF Group in Saudi Arabia, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that the Samtah Project reflects EDF's long-standing collaborative relationship with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Energy. EDF power solutions, which now has a total of 4,100 MW in renewable energy capacity in the Kingdom, remains committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s clean energy goals while also adhering to high environmental and social standards during project execution.

A Sustainable Future

As the Samtah Solar Power Project sets the stage for a new chapter in renewable energy within the Kingdom, it illustrates the overarching commitment to developing a diversified, low-carbon energy future. The collaboration between SEC and EDF not only exemplifies the synergies achievable through international partnerships but also creates pathways for future investments in sustainable energy projects.

In conclusion, the Samtah solar initiative signifies more than just a project; it embodies the Kingdom’s vision for a cleaner, sustainable, and economically vibrant future. As this project unfolds, it will undoubtedly serve as a model for similar endeavors across the region, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's position at the forefront of the global renewable energy movement.