Masdar Awarded 1.4GW Najran And 600MW Jizan Solar Projects In Saudi Arabia

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, a prominent name in clean energy, has secured two solar photovoltaic projects in Saudi Arabia. These projects, with a combined capacity of 2 gigawatts, were awarded under the sixth round of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) in the Kingdom.

Masdar's new ventures include the Najran and Ad Darb facilities, with capacities of 1,400 megawatts and 600 megawatts respectively. Both projects will be developed on a build, own, and operate basis. A 25-year power purchase agreement has been signed with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC). The Ad Darb plant is set to commence operations in late 2027, while the Najran project will follow in early 2028.

Masdar's CEO, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, expressed pride in supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 renewable energy goals. He stated: "Masdar is proud to support Saudi Arabia to achieve its Vision 2030 renewable energy targets. Winning the Najran and Ad Darb projects marks a significant expansion of our Saudi portfolio, and is testament to our two decades of experience in developing and operating utility-scale renewable projects, and our strong track record in the region. We look forward to develop these projects and contribute to the Kingdom's sustainable economic growth."

The Principal Buyer oversees predevelopment studies and tenders power generation projects. It also signs Power Purchase Agreements with developers. So far, it has awarded a total capacity of 43.2 GW, with 12.3 GW already connected to the grid.

For three consecutive years, Masdar has secured the largest capacity in SPPC bidding rounds. Other ongoing solar initiatives include the Al Henakiyah project with a capacity of 1,100 MW set for next year and the Al Sadawi project at 2,000 MW expected by 2027.

Founded in 2006, Masdar is an investor and operator in clean energy with over 51GW global portfolio capacity. The company aims to expand this to 100GW by 2030. In support of Saudi Arabia's clean energy goals, Masdar opened an office there in 2022.

In Saudi Arabia, Masdar operates several key facilities including the Jeddah Solar Power Plant at 300 MW and Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm at 400 MW. The latter is notable as both Saudi Arabia's first wind project and the largest wind farm in the Middle East.

The recent awards further solidify Masdar’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy footprint within Saudi Arabia while contributing significantly towards sustainable development goals.