Search
Saudi Arabia Gets Serious Concerning Solar to Meet National, Young People Aspirations
Saudi Arabia gets on a tight deadline. The kingdom has actually set itself some of one of the most enthusiastic economic and social targets in the area, with a goal to overhaul its economy totally. Underpinning this drive for change is its young people population, now better equipped than ever to add productively. Not only does the kingdom wish to keep its location as the largest economic climate in the Middle-east, however do much better than that, to ensure it comes to be a magnet for non-oil sectors worldwide.
At an ordinary age of simply 32, Saudi Arabia has a strong cohort of the young, that has actually acquired top quality certifications in the recent past, thanks to high financial investments in building up education and health and wellness infrastructure. The country currently faces the following obstacle of making sure these young people discover work that is a match for their capability along with goals. Unemployment is the greatest in the youngest cohort of 21 to 30, adding a degree of seriousness to the initiatives now.
While the pandemic has interfered with some of those strategies, the larger strategies continue to be on training course. These involve structure enormous brand-new facilities consisting of cities from scratch, a complete revamp of the industrial landscape, and a shift in investment top priority to the residential market, are all on course. Among one of the most intriguing of course is the push for renewable resource, coming from a country that has guaranteed to be the 'last guy standing' when oil goes out, or is shut off.
Saudi Eco-friendly Targets
Under the Vision 2030 record of the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia has a National Renewable Resource Program. Under this, over 35 renewable energy tasks are expected to be active by the year 2030, as well as the production of renewable energy to go from 9.5 GW in 2019 to 27.3 GW in 2024 with the five-year program. The target is 58.7 GW in renewable resource by the year 2030. Those numbers are not simply anticipated to help the kingdom fulfill domestic power needs, however additionally give the energy required for a press into green hydrogen, which the nation has begun laying the groundwork for. Much more significantly, the kingdom is clear that these numbers should be achieved with a far greater degree of localisation as compared to what has actually been achieved till day.
Why Localisation Is Everything About The Youth
With unemployment at over 14% amongst Saudi young people, Saudization or, localisation of fields across the economic situation has ended up being important. Not just because the abilities that were absent earlier are offered locally today, yet also because the nation seeks to comply with a much more sustainable and workable global design template for success.
The kingdom's vision 2030 record puts down the roadmap. While it has broad objectives for the nation in terms of enhancement in life expectancy, growth aside and various other social signs, there is little doubt that the focus gets on the young people as well as localization. As both are essential to the future of the nation.
Think about simply one purpose, the target to lower local joblessness to 7%, as well as increase women's engagement in the labor force from 22 to 30 percent.
Both these need a much more varied economy, with a much higher neighborhood share of manufacturing inputs in your area.
This is playing out throughout industries today, where greater indigenization is rewarded, and also failing to do so as guaranteed can be penalized as well.
In the renewable resource field as an example, an elaborate factors system with localization as a crucial element is utilized today to assess bids for big projects. Proposals with localisation below a cut off degree danger being stayed out altogether.
The large sovereign wide range fund of the kingdom today has a mandate to invest at the very least $40 billion or more annually in the residence market.
The largest campaigns, like the advancement of Neom, the all new futuristic city is a case in point. Not just is Neom set to display everything the Kingdom wishes to be, however it is prepared to be a city that exports, instead of just takes in. Be it power in the form of eco-friendly hydrogen powered by renewable energy, or world class logistics, a flourishing SME as well as private sector and also even more. Thus, SME field contribution to economic climate has been targeted at 35% from the existing 20%, while share of private sector in general GDP is going for 65%.
Involving the young people in a higher means is taken into consideration essential to accomplishing these goals today, as their rate of interests will certainly be straightened to the country. The better self adequacy will additionally provide the nation a higher level of control over its destiny, rather than being buffeted by what occurs in global markets only too quickly today.
Concentrate on Power, Strategic Sectors
Focus markets include industries where the Kingdom has an all-natural advantage, lined up with sectors that can produce the kind of jobs and also opportunities that will draw in Saudi youth. That implies power, chemicals, retail, logistics, and also much more are all in focus today.
For the youth, greater localization is not simply an issue of higher satisfaction in the economic situation's dynamism, yet likewise regarding the many chances it will certainly create for them to look past the federal government for opportunities.
From achieving 75% localization in the oil and also gas industry, to an economic climate that ranks in the top 15 around the world, and makes substantial strides in simplicity of doing business along with e-governance, the targets are huge.
The high financial investments in education and learning and also healthcare mean that unlike the attempts of the past, Saudi Arabia today really has a chance to accomplish its ambitions, using neighborhood talent.
A strong begin has been made with renewable resource. Viewed as an essential input in the worldwide push to decarbonize sectors by initial electrification, as well as following making sure an ever greater share from renewable resources. Saudi Arabia has made the take on contact us to straighten itself with the globe, instead of push back as one of the most significant oil manufacturers. In doing this, it has the advantage of recognizing that its lower cost oil wells can continue to supply the globe much past the extra pricey oil in many regions today.
Final thought. The Role of Neighborhood Champions In The Transition
Lots of Saudi Firms today have actually attained worldwide scale and expertises across industries. These firms provide the federal government a prepared home resource to perform on its plans, with the vast experience and inputs they bring. Be it making as well as Facilities firms, with their worldwide impact and experience, are a valuable source to make certain that great intent is backed by solid capability. Their substantial manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia and also approval of the products globally have actually made these stick out stories that supply a readymade success design template. From Aramco, the bell climate for the economy, to smaller sized firms like Alfanar in infrastructure, we are likely to see Saudi firms press more strongly outside the kingdom, to ensure the Kingdom does not lose out on the opportunities ahead.
Sep 13, 2021 // Markets & Finance News, Policy, Saudi Arabia, Asia, narendra modi, aramco, Alfanar, crown prince salman, MBS
Saudi Arabia Begins Commissioning Two-Point-Seven-Nine Gigawatts Of PV Across Mega-Projects
Saudi Arabia’s solar rollout is stepping up a gear as commissioning begins across three mega-sites totaling 2.79 GW. The projects—developed by leading sponsors with long-term power contracts—mark one of the kingdom’s largest single waves of PV capacity to approach commercial operation at the same time. Early generation is already feeding into the grid as testing moves block by block across tracker fields and inverter stations.
Beyond the headline megawatts, the buildout showcases a maturing delivery machine: standardized designs, bankable components, and construction practices refined in the region’s harsh desert conditions. Elevated tracker rows, dust-resistant inverters, and robust cleaning regimes are central to performance in environments where sand, heat, and wind can erode yields. Operators will watch closely how plant controls respond to grid-code requirements around ride-through, reactive power, and curtailment—areas where early tuning can avoid headaches later.
The strategic logic is straightforward. Solar helps Saudi Arabia meet rising domestic electricity demand while freeing up more hydrocarbons for export. It also lowers the grid’s emissions intensity and anchors a broader industrial policy that includes manufacturing, services, and research tied to clean energy. As more capacity enters the queue, transmission planning and storage are becoming the next bottlenecks to solve—ensuring that daytime surpluses can be moved, shifted, or consumed efficiently.
For lenders and contractors, this moment validates the region’s risk-return profile. Multi-gigawatt procurement, clear offtake, and experienced local partners are bringing down balance-of-plant costs and compressing schedules compared with first-generation sites. The focus now turns to ramp-up: steady progress through provisional acceptance, performance testing under seasonal extremes, and a smooth handover to long-term operations teams.
If the commissioning cadence holds, the three plants will materially lift Saudi Arabia’s installed solar base in 2025 and 2026—another sign that large-scale renewables in the Gulf are shifting from headline announcements to reliable delivery.
Aug 21, 2025 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Saudi Arabia, UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR, Asia, middle east, ACWA Power
Saudi Arabia to Launch 7.8 GWh Battery Storage This Summer
Saudi Arabia's Al Gihaz Holding is preparing to launch 7.8 GWh of energy storage capacity this summer. The project will utilize batteries provided by Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd, marking a significant step in the Kingdom's renewable energy initiatives.This development aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to enhance its energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The deployment of these batteries is expected to support the integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to the country's sustainability goals and energy transition efforts.
How Will Al Gihaz Holding's 7.8 GWh Energy Storage Impact Saudi Arabia's Renewable Goals?
Enhanced Grid Stability: The 7.8 GWh energy storage capacity will help stabilize the grid by balancing supply and demand, especially during peak usage times, reducing the risk of blackouts.
Increased Renewable Integration: By storing excess energy generated from renewable sources like solar and wind, the project will facilitate a higher penetration of renewables into the national grid.
Reduction in Fossil Fuel Dependence: The energy storage system will decrease the need for fossil fuel-based power plants to meet peak demand, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to diversify its energy mix.
Support for Vision 2030 Goals: This initiative supports the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the national energy mix to 50% by 2030.
Economic Benefits: The project could lead to cost savings by reducing the need for expensive peaker plants and lowering energy costs in the long term.
Technological Advancement: The use of advanced battery technology from Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in adopting cutting-edge energy solutions in the region.
Environmental Impact: By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the project will contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, supporting global climate change mitigation efforts.
Job Creation: The development and maintenance of the energy storage infrastructure are expected to create new jobs, contributing to economic growth and skill development in the renewable energy sector.
Apr 21, 2025 // Storage, Saudi Arabia, Asia
SoleFiori to Build 6-GW Solar Factory in Saudi Arabia
its operations internationally by establishing a 6-GW solar panel factory in Saudi Arabia. This move marks a significant step in SoleFiori's strategy to increase its
Sep 30, 2025 // Manufacturing News, Saudi Arabia, Asia, SoleFiori Technology
Saudi Arabia's Rabigh 2 Solar Project Secures $220M Financing
SAS, has reached financial close on the 300-MW Rabigh 2 solar power project in Saudi Arabia, valued at SAR 825 million (USD 220 million). The project, structured as a
May 30, 2025 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Saudi Arabia, Asia, PV Power Plant, TotalEnergies, Aljomaih
Saudi Arabia to back clean energy makers, developers via new loan scheme
Saudi Arabia is expanding the reach of its 105 billion riyal (US$28 billion) industrial fund to spur renewables through loans to component manufacturers, to independent power projects and to projects spearheaded by firms in other industries.
The new programme comes to expand the Saudi Industrial Development Fund’s work over the past 45 years, during which it has “played a key role" in driving industrial development in the kingdom, according to a government release.
The new incentives are part of Saudi Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman’s plan to diversify the economy of the world’s largest oil exporter. In January, the government announced it would deploy 60GW of renewables by 2030, two-thirds of which would be solar.
Under the new scheme, named for the Arabic word for renewables Mutjadeda, component manufacturers can borrow up to 75% of a project's cost from the government and benefit from loan repayment periods of up to 20 years and grace periods of up to 36 months. Independent renewable energy production projects can apply for the same repayment and grace periods.
Players in other industries deploying renewables can apply for loans with repayment periods of up to 12 years and grace periods of 36 months.
Bloomberg reports that loans will be for as much as 1.2 billion riyals (US$320 million).
The government’s pivot to renewables comes after a drone strike on the kingdom’s Abqaiq processing facility in mid-September cut global oil output by five percent and sent oil prices skyrocketing.
Saudi Arabia's new loan scheme sees the light in a year set to conclude with the second round of government renewable auctions.
A spokesperson from the Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REDPO) told PV Tech in an email that while the government agency does not currently have an exact date when auction results will be published, their announcement will take place in December and will be broadcast live.
Saudi Arabia’s solar industry is poised for rapid growth, according to an analysis by Wood Mackenzie. In July, the firm placed the Gulf state within a 20-strong cohort of global “growth [solar] engines,” countries that are expected to be installing between 1-5GW of the energy source a year by 2024.
Sep 30, 2019 // Manufacturing News, Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Saudi Arabia, tender, Asia, auction, green loan, Mohammad bin Salman
Total types joint venture for C&I solar release in Saudi Arabia
inexpensive as well as dependable solar power remedies to C&I customers in Saudi Arabia and "blaze a trail in the advancement of the community for dispersed
Mar 4, 2021 // Plants, Large-Scale, Markets & Finance News, Saudi Arabia, Asia, Total, distributed solar, Julien Pouget, joint venture, commercial and industrial, oil and gas majors
ACWA Power secures 5.5 GW solar deals in Saudi
has signed deals to develop, construct, and operate three solar projects in Saudi Arabia with a total capacity of 5.5 GW. The projects, named Haden, Muwayh, and Al
Jun 27, 2024 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, ACWA Power, PV Power Plant, Saudi
Arctech Secures Major Contract for Saudi Solar Project
to supply solar tracking technology for the Al Sadawi photovoltaic project in Saudi Arabia, which will exceed 2 GW in capacity. This project is part of Saudi
Jul 29, 2025 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Saudi Arabia, Asia, arctech solar, PV Power Plant
Masdar Consortium Secures Major 2-GW Saudi Solar Project
has secured the development rights for the 2-GW Al Sadawi solar project in Saudi Arabia. The agreement follows a successful bid during the fifth round of the National
Nov 19, 2024 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Masdar, Solar Project, Saudi
Jinko Power Secures Financing for Saudi Solar Project
Technology Co Ltd has achieved financial close for a 400-MW solar project in Saudi Arabia, enabling construction to commence. The Tabarjal Solar project, located 17 km
Nov 27, 2024 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Saudi Arabia, Asia, Jinko Power, PV Power Plant
Saudi Arabia's PIF raises stake in ACWA Power
risk would certainly aid to drive and also diversify financial growth in Saudi Arabia.
The deal also comes numerous months after China's Silk Road Fund completed
Dec 1, 2020 // Markets & Finance News, EPC, UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR, ACWA Power, Mohammad Abunayyan, saudi arabia pif, saudia arabia
ACWA Power Boosts Saudi Solar Capacity by 2.79 GW
Power has achieved a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia's solar energy expansion by obtaining commercial-operation certificates for three major photovoltaic (PV)
Aug 22, 2025 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Saudi Arabia, Asia, ACWA Power
Revolutionizing Solar Energy: Saudi Arabia and Beyond
tandem solar cells to market, which could provide affordable clean energy in Saudi Arabia and beyond. The technology combines the efficient light absorption of
Jan 12, 2024 // Technology, Saudi Arabia, Asia, solar cell, perovskite, efficiency, KAUST
Antaisolar, Bahra Electric Form Solar Tracker JV in Saudi
and Bahra Electric have agreed to establish a joint venture in Saudi Arabia to produce solar trackers and mounting solutions. The new company and factory will
Jun 27, 2024 // Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, antaisolar, Saudi, Bahra Electric






