Masdar has been awarded 2GW in new solar projects under Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy programme, boosting regional clean energy goals.
RIYADH/ABU DHABI: In a major expansion of its regional clean energy portfolio, Masdar — the UAE’s flagship renewable energy company — has secured two new solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Totaling 2GW in capacity, the projects are part of the sixth round of the Saudi National Renewable Energy Program (NREP).
The Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects include the 1,400MW Najran plant and the 600MW Ad Darb plant in Jizan Province. Both facilities will be developed on a build, own, and operate (BOO) basis, backed by a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC).
The Ad Darb project is expected to be operational by late 2027, while the Najran facility is scheduled to commence commercial operations in the first half of 2028. Once completed, these projects will significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s solar energy capacity and help achieve Vision 2030’s ambitious sustainability targets.
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi commented, “Winning the Najran and Ad Darb projects marks a significant expansion of our Saudi portfolio. It reflects our deep experience in utility-scale renewables and our long-standing partnership with the Kingdom.”
With this award, Masdar continues its leadership in the SPPC bidding rounds, securing the largest awarded capacity for three consecutive years. Other major projects in the Kingdom include the 1,100MW Al Henakiyah project, set to go live next year, and the 2,000MW Al Sadawi solar project, expected in 2027.
Masdar, founded in 2006, has a global renewable energy portfolio exceeding 51GW, with a mandate to grow to 100GW by 2030. The company opened a local office in Saudi Arabia in 2022 and currently operates the 300MW Jeddah Solar Power Plant and the 400MW Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm, the largest wind project in the Middle East.
The expansion of Masdar’s solar energy footprint in Saudi Arabia reinforces both nations’ commitment to clean energy transition and regional cooperation in sustainable infrastructure development.
