Saudi Arabia Shortlists Bidders for 3.6GW Solar Projects

The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has announced a shortlist of bidders for its fifth round of tenders under the National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP), aimed at boosting the country’s solar energy capacity. This round targets 3.6GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity across four projects. Bids for these projects were initially disclosed in February, and the shortlisted bidders include prominent energy companies from the Middle East, China, and Europe.

The largest project in this round is the 2,000MW Al-Sadawi Solar PV Independent Power Producer (IPP) project. Two firms were shortlisted: UAE-based renewable energy developer Masdar and China’s SPIC Huanghe Hydropower Development, which is owned by the State Power Investment Corporation Limited (SPIC), a state-owned Chinese entity.

SPIC Huanghe Hydropower Development was also shortlisted for the 1,000MW Al-Massaa project, alongside Saudi Arabia’s Al Jomaih Energy and Water Company. Other key players like French firms Totalenergies and EDF Renouvables are involved as technical partners for these projects.

Two smaller projects were also included in this round: the 400MW Al-Henakiyah 2 project and the 300MW Rabigh 2 project. Masdar, SPIC, and Al Jomaih were shortlisted for both.

Indian energy companies have a growing interest in the Middle Eastern renewable energy sector. Saudi Arabia’s long-term goal to supply 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, as outlined in the Vision 2030 plan, offers potential for Indian firms to expand their participation. With India’s strong focus on renewable energy and technological expertise, collaboration with Saudi entities and participation in future tenders can offer growth opportunities for Indian renewable energy companies in the region.

In September 2023, the SPPC launched its sixth round of tenders under the NREP, requesting proposals for 3GW of additional solar PV capacity, along with 1.5GW of wind power. This expansion provides an opportunity for further engagement by international players, including Indian firms looking to enhance their footprint in the renewable energy landscape of the Gulf region.