The 300 MW Sakaka IPP photovoltaic solar project is the first ever utility scale renewable energy project under the National Renewable Energy Program of Saudi Arabia. The Renewable Energy Projects Development Office (REPDO) assigned ACWA Power the contract at a world record-breaking tariff of US Cents 2.3417/kWh (8.781 halalas/kWh). The plant will cover an area of 6 square kilometeres at Al Jouf. With an investment of US $302 million, this project the first of a series of project under the Saudi national renewable energy program which goals to produce 9.5GW of renewable energy by 2023.
KEY FACTS
| Location | Al Jouf, Saudi Arabia |
| OFFTAKER | Saudi Power Procurement Company |
| POWER | 300 MW |
| Technology | PV |
| Project cost | USD 302 Mn |
| COD | Q2 2020 |
| ACWA power share | 70% |
| OFFTAKE contract | PPA- BOO – 25 Years |
| Operator | Diaa Sakaka Operation and Maintenance Company (NOMAC’s affiliate) |
| Other investors | Al Gihaz: 30% |
| EPC | A consortium of Mahindra Susten Private Limited & Chint Solar (Zheijang) Company LTD |
| Project company | Sakaka Solar Energy Company (“Sakaka”) |
Construct with an investment of SAR1.2bn, the Sakaka plant is the first utility-scale renewable energy project in-country.
ACWA Power and AlGihaz are the joint owners and developers of the solar plant with stakes of 70 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The project was awarded by Saudi Arabia’s Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REPDO) to construct.
The solar power plant spread in 6km2 area, will provide power to 45,000 households in the Al Jouf province, while helping the region offset more than 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide yearly.
The Sakaka solar project broke ground almost a year ago after ACWA Power and AlGihaz get financial closure on it. The engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the solar plant were given to a consortium of India-based Mahindra Susten and Chint Solar (Zheijang), a Chinese solar PV module manufacturer.
“In alignment with the aims of Vision 2030, Sakaka PV IPP has successfully contributed to the economic diversification, development of human capital and the elevation of national capacity to ensure a better future for upcoming generations.”