Saudi Arabia shortlists bidders for 3.7 GW solar projects

Saudi Arabia has advanced to the next phase of its National Renewable Energy Programme (NREP), shortlisting several bidders for four major solar projects with a combined capacity of 3.7 GW. The lowest bid, a notably competitive price of USD 12.92 (EUR 11.91) per MWh, was submitted for the 2-GW Sadawi project, located in the Eastern province.

The projects under consideration include the 2-GW Sadawi Solar PV project, a 1-GW solar installation in Hail province (Al Masa’a Solar PV IPP), a 400-MW project in Madinah (Al Henakiyah Solar PV IPP), and the 300-MW Rabigh 2 Solar PV project in Makkah. These are part of the fifth round of Saudi Arabia's renewable energy program.

Among the shortlisted bidders are prominent international players. Leading the pack is a consortium that includes Masdar (based in Abu Dhabi), Korea Electric Power Corp, and GD Power Development. Another significant contender is an alliance between SPIC Huanghe Hydropower Development Co and EDF Renouvelables. Additionally, Al Jomaih Energy and Water Co has partnered with TotalEnergies Renewables for its bid.

For the Al-Sadawi project, the Masdar-led consortium, which has also teamed up with Nesma Company for two other projects, offered the lowest bid of USD 12.92 per MWh, positioning itself strongly for the award.

The following table gives details about the projects and shortlisted bidders.

source: SPPC