Masdar, EDF Renewables, And Nesma To Develop 1,100 MW Al Henakiyah Solar Plant In Saudi Arabia

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar), EDF Renewables, and Nesma Company have entered a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) to construct the 1,100 MW Al Henakiyah solar power plant. Post-operation, the project is anticipated to supply electricity to over 190,000 homes annually and mitigate more than 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide yearly.

In a bid to enhance the local economy, at least 19 per cent of the construction phase’s equipment, materials, and services will be sourced from Saudi companies. Additionally, during the initial decade of operations, Saudi nationals are expected to constitute 50 per cent of the project’s workforce, with this proportion rising to 75 per cent throughout the project’s entire operational lifespan.

Situated in Al Madinah province, Saudi Arabia, the Al Henakiyah Solar Plant aligns with the nation’s objective of increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix to around 50% by 2030. The project, poised to be one of the world’s largest single-site solar plants, will be developed, constructed, owned, and operated by the consortium under a 25-year agreement with the off-taker SPPC.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, expressed pride in winning the bid, reinforcing their partnership with Saudi Arabia. Bruno Bensasson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDF Renewables, regarded the Henakiyah solar project as a significant milestone in the Kingdom, highlighting the commitment to a sustainable future. Faisal Alturki, President of Nesma Group, emphasized Nesma Renewable Energy’s role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and hailed the Al Henakiyah Solar Project as a testament to their position as industry leaders in Saudi Arabia’s renewables sector.