MASA’A and Al Henakiyah2 Solar Parks Drive Saudi Arabia’s Renewable Energy Goals

Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) to develop two major solar projects: the MASA’A solar park (1,000 MW) and the Al Henakiyah2 solar park (400 MW). The agreement was formalized during an official ceremony in Riyadh, attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy; Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Saudi Minister of Trade and Investment; Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French Minister of Energy Transition; Béatrice Buffon, EDF Group Executive Vice President and CEO of EDF Renewables; and Mazin Albahkali, CEO of SPPC.

These projects, collectively capable of supplying clean electricity to over 240,000 homes, are set to avoid more than 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

With a total investment of $850 million (approximately €810 million), the projects will leverage the expertise of EDF Renewables and China’s Huanghe Hydropower Development Company (HHDC). The MASA’A solar park is scheduled to begin operations in 2027, while Al Henakiyah2 is expected to connect to the grid by late 2026.

To support local industry, at least 21% of the equipment, materials, and services for the construction phase will be sourced from Saudi companies.Situated in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, the MASA’A and Al Henakiyah2 solar parks are poised to become flagship renewable energy projects for the Kingdom. Developed, constructed, owned, and operated by the consortium under a 25-year agreement, these solar power plants will play a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s goal of achieving 50% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030. Additionally, the projects are set to drive local economic growth by creating new employment opportunities.

Beatrice Buffon, EDF Group Executive Vice President in charge of the International Division and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDF Renewables, commented, “The award of these two solar projects is an important milestone for EDF Renewables and its partner, alongside the SPPC and the Ministry of Energy. EDF’s technical expertise, as well as its environmental and social requirements, are assets for success in the dynamic low-carbon energy market in Saudi Arabia. With these projects, we will reach a renewable asset capacity of 3,500 MW in the country, paving the way for sustainable growth with a positive impact for future generations, and aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”