- The consortium led by EDF Renewables has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for two 1,400 megawatt (MW) power plants in Saudi Arabia after winning a competitive tender.
- The MASA'A 1,000 MW and Al Henakiyah2 400 MW solar projects are part of the 5th solar project tender launched by the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC)
- The projects are expected to power more than 240,000 homes and avoid the emission of more than 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 each year.
EDF Renewables signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) during an official ceremony held in Riyadh to develop the MASA'A (1,000 MW) and Al Henakiyah2 (400 MW) solar parks, in the presence of the Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Minister of Commerce and Investment of Saudi Arabia, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, French Minister of Energy Transition, Béatrice Buffon, Executive Director of the EDF Group in charge of international management and Chairman and CEO of EDF Renewables and Mazin Albahkali, CEO of SPPC. The two projects are expected to power more than 240,000 homes and avoid the emission of more than 2.7 million tons of CO2 each year.
With an estimated investment of $850 million (approximately €810 million), these projects draw on the expertise of two global leaders in renewable energy, EDF Renewables for France and SPIC Huanghe Hydropower Development Company (SPIC HHDC) for China. The MASA'A solar power plant is expected to come online in 2027, and the Al Henakiyah2 solar power plant is expected to be connected to the grid by the end of 2026.
Saudi companies will provide at least 21,000 tons of equipment, materials and services during the construction phase.
Beatrice Buffon, EDF Group Executive Director in charge of international management and Chairwoman and CEO of EDF Renewables, said : " The award of these two solar projects is a significant 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 Saudi Arabia's dynamic low-carbon energy market. 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.“
Located in the northwest of the country, MASA'A and Al Henakiyah2 are expected to be flagship solar power plants in the Kingdom. The projects will be developed, built, owned, and operated by the consortium under a 25-year agreement. The two solar parks will contribute to achieving the goal of achieving 50% of renewable energy in the country's energy mix by 2030, while also stimulating local employment.
Key figures for the projects:
MASA'A
- 1,000 MW power plant
- Located in Hail province
- 1,900,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided
- 190,000 homes powered by renewable electricity per year
Al Henakiyah2
- 400 MW power plant
- Located in the province of Madinah
- 755,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided
- 50,000 homes powered by renewable electricity per year