The Saudi energy ministry will tender the first phase with the second to be managed by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund. EPA
The Saudi energy ministry will tender the first phase with the second to be managed by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund. EPA
The Saudi energy ministry will tender the first phase with the second to be managed by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund. EPA
The Saudi energy ministry will tender the first phase with the second to be managed by the kingdom's Public Investment Fund. EPA

Saudi Arabia to tender 600MW solar plant in Makkah this year


Jennifer Gnana
  • English
  • Arabic

Saudi Arabia plans to build a 2,600 megawatts solar project in the holy city of Makkah as the world's largest oil exporter increases momentum for renewable energy.

A contract for 600MW will be tendered this year, with the project set to be developed in two phases, the Saudi Energy Ministry announced in a tweet.

The initial phase will be developed after a bidding process through the ministry and the remainder will be developed by the Public Investment Fund, the country's sovereign wealth fund, and its partners.

A preliminary agreement was signed between the Energy Ministry and the emir of the Makkah province to develop the Al Faisaliah solar project.

Saudi Arabia, which is moving away from burning crude for power generation, wants to increase power generation from renewables. PIF will develop up to 70 per cent of the kingdom's renewable energy capacity, with plans under way to use up to 60 gigawatts from clean sources over the next decade, the country's Minister of Energy Khalid Al Falih said in January.

Saudi Arabia's Renewable Energy Project Development Office (Repdo) has been tasked with tendering the remaining 30 per cent of capacity. About 9.5GW of solar and wind capacities had been earlier earmarked for development by 2023. The kingdom has already begun switching from burning crude to gas-fired power plants.

Saudi Arabia earlier this year awarded a contract to develop its first wind project, a 400MW scheme in the country's north, to a consortium led by France's EDF and Abu Dhabi's clean energy operator Masdar.

The kingdom also awarded its first utility-scale photovoltaic solar plant last year. The 300MW project in the northern Al Jouf area was awarded to Riyadh's Acwa Power, in which PIF has a 25 per cent stake.

The sovereign fund is also working with Japan's Softbank to develop a massive $200 billion solar scheme.

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Sustainable Development Goals

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

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9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

10. Reduce inequality  within and among countries

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16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

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A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
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Running time: 81 minutes

Director: David Blue Garcia

Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham

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Who inspires you?

I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist

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Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.

What is favourite book?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times

What is your favourite Arabic film?

Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki

What is favourite English film?

Mamma Mia

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The specs
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COMPANY PROFILE

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Based: Dubai, UAE

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Sector: Logistics

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Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

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Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district

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His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people

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Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates

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