
In a landmark move toward clean energy transformation, EDF, SPIC, and Saudi Aramco have jointly secured debt financing for one of the most ambitious solar undertakings in the Middle East — a 1.4 GW solar portfolio set to reshape Saudi Arabia’s energy future. Backed by a powerful banking consortium and a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), this project reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to diversifying its energy mix under Vision 2030. Let’s dive into how this monumental deal is setting new benchmarks in renewable energy development.
The foundation of this solar breakthrough rests on a robust financial collaboration. EDF Power Solutions and SPIC Huanghe Hydropower, in partnership with Saudi Aramco Power Company (SAPCO), have secured a major financing facility from leading global and regional banks. The consortium — comprising Saudi Investment Bank, Bank of China, Societe Generale, BNP Paribas, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank — demonstrates the international community’s confidence in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy roadmap. With the backing of a long-term PPA from the Saudi Power Procurement Company, the project ensures financial stability and operational viability for decades ahead.
The project’s scale and design epitomize engineering excellence and sustainability. The Al Masa’a solar plant, located in Hail Province, will boast a massive 1,000 MW capacity, while the Al Henakiyah-2 facility in Madinah Province will contribute another 400 MW. Together, these plants will significantly bolster the Kingdom’s solar generation capacity. With commercial operations slated for Q1 2027 for Al Henakiyah-2 and Q3 2027 for Al Masa’a, the timeline underscores Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced progress toward achieving renewable energy self-sufficiency. Both projects fall under the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), supervised by the Ministry of Energy — a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating the nation’s green transformation.
Beyond numbers and capacities, the project symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s vision of sustainable progress. The use of proceeds — earmarked for construction and long-term operation — ensures that the benefits of this investment will extend well beyond the initial build phase. By integrating global expertise from EDF and SPIC with local strength from Aramco, the Kingdom is fostering a new model of international collaboration in clean energy. As these solar plants come online, they are expected to reduce carbon emissions, create green jobs, and strengthen energy security. This is not just a step forward — it’s a leap toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
Saudi Arabia’s 1.4 GW solar initiative marks a turning point in the region’s renewable energy landscape. It is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and vision in shaping a cleaner tomorrow. As the world watches, the Kingdom continues to shine — quite literally — as a beacon of sustainable development.
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