Saudi Arabia invites developers for 3.7 GW of solar projects

Saudi Arabia is seeking to award four solar projects with a combined capacity of 3.7 GW as part of the fifth round of its National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP).

The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) on Sunday opened the qualification process for companies interested in the development of the four solar schemes.

The biggest project offered in the round is Al Sadawi, slated to be constructed in the Eastern Province with a capacity of 2 GW. The Hail Region is earmarked for the 1-GW AlMas'a project while two more solar parks -- Al Henakiyah 2 of 400 MW and Rabigh 2 of 300 MW, are planned to be set up in Al Madinah region and Makkah region, respectively.

The opening of NREP's fifth round comes just a few days after the principal buyer of electricity in Saudi Arabia signed offtake deals for two projects -- the 1,100 MW Al Henakiyah and 400-MW Tabarjal schemes. The first one was awarded to a consortium of Masdar, EDF Renewables and Saudi-based Nesma Renewable Energy at a price of USD 16.84 (EUR 15.76) per MWh while the second solar park will be developed and operated by Jinko Power Technology Co., Ltd.

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