PIF launches SAR 3.4 bln Sudair Solar PV plant

Logo of PIF

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched the Sudair Solar PV plant in Sudair Industrial City, with a PIF-backed consortium signing a power purchase agreement with the Saudi Power Procurement Company for 25 years, which represents an important step within the renewable energy program that is being implemented under the umbrella of the National Renewable Energy Program, the fund said in a statement received by Argaam.

The project’s initial commissioning is expected during the second half of 2022. It is set to become one of the largest single-contracted Solar PV plants in the world and the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia at an installed capacity of 1,500MW.

Sudair PV IPP, which will be implemented at an investment value of SAR 3.4 billion, will be capable of powering 185,000 homes and offsetting nearly 2.9 million tons of emissions per annum.

The project has also recorded the second lowest cost globally for Solar PV electricity production [USD 1.239 cents/kilowatt hour].

The PIF-backed consortium is led by ACWA Power, in which the PIF holds a 50% stake, which has partnered with Badeel, a 100%-owned PIF subsidiary.

The landmark renewable energy project is a significant step and key part of PIF’s commitment to develop 70% of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy capacity outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The development of renewable energy capacity will also support the delivery of the Saudi Green Initiative. Recently announced by the Crown Prince, this initiative aims to chart a path for Saudi Arabia and the region to protect the planet by clearly defining an ambitious road map that rallies the region and will significantly contribute to achieving global targets in confronting climate change.

The announcement comes as part of the PIF Strategy 2021-2025, which focuses on unlocking the capabilities of promising sectors to enhance the Kingdom's efforts in diversifying revenue sources. PIF and its subsidiaries aim to contribute SAR 1.2 trillion to non-oil GDP cumulatively by the end of 2025.