Construction begins on 300MW Sakaka solar project in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz has marked the start of construction on the 300MW Sakaka solar photovoltaic (PV) IPP project, with a ground-breaking ceremony in Al Jouf.

The project is said to be the first renewable energy project that is being built under King Salman’s renewable energy initiative.

Last week, ACWA Power and AlGihaz Holding Company announced financial closure for the SAR1.2bn ($319m) project.

ACWA Power chairman Mohammad Abunayyan said: “We commenced the year 2018 with King Salman bin Abdulaziz’s presence at the opening ceremony of Sakaka PV IPP last February, which garnered great pride and excitement as we announced the establishment of the first solar energy project in the Kingdom by a Saudi company and national affiliates.

“Today, we renew our pride and honour as King Salman bin Abdulaziz graciously grants us the starting signal to commence the construction and operation of Sakaka PV IPP.

“The project is marked as the first project under the progressive initiative to benefit from renewable energy in the Kingdom and is set at a world record-breaking tariff that will transform the photovoltaic solar energy sector across the globe.”

The Sakaka solar plant is expected to begin its commercial operations next year.

It is estimated to generate enough clean energy that will be sufficient to power 45,000 households in Al Jouf region while offsetting over 430,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

Additionally, the project will create new employment opportunities in various fields including construction and operations.