Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based clean energy company, has secured two solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in Saudi Arabia under the sixth round of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), with a combined capacity of 2 GW. The awarded projects include the 1,400 MW Najran plant and the 600 MW Ad Darb facility. Both projects will follow a build, own, and operate (BOO) model and feature 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC).
The Ad Darb plant, located in Jizan Province, is expected to commence commercial operations in late 2027, while the Najran facility in Najran Province is scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2028. Mohamed Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said, “We are proud to support Saudi Arabia in achieving its Vision 2030 renewable energy targets. Securing the Najran and Ad Darb projects significantly expands our Saudi portfolio and reflects our two decades of experience in developing and operating utility-scale renewable projects in the region. We look forward to delivering these projects and contributing to the Kingdom’s sustainable economic growth.”
The SPPC, responsible for predevelopment studies, project tendering, and signing PPAs, has awarded a total capacity of 43.2 GW to date, with 12.3 GW already connected to the grid. Masdar has consistently secured the largest capacity in the competitive SPPC bidding over the past three years. Other solar projects under Masdar’s development in Saudi Arabia include the 1,100 MW Al Henakiyah project, expected to start commercial operations next year, and the 2,000 MW Al Sadawi project, slated for 2027.
Founded in 2006, Masdar is a global clean energy investor, developer, and operator with a current portfolio exceeding 51 GW and a mandate to reach 100 GW by 2030. The company opened its Saudi office in 2022 to support the nation’s clean energy ambitions. Masdar’s operational projects in the Kingdom include the 300 MW Jeddah Solar Power Plant and the 400 MW Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm, Saudi Arabia’s first wind project and the largest in the Middle East.
