Two significant wind energy initiatives are set to bolster the Saudi Arabian national grid with an additional 1.1 GW of clean power. Marubeni Corporation, a prominent Japanese entity in trading and investment, has finalized terms with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) to erect these substantial wind power installations in the Kingdom.
The development of these projects is a collaboration effort with Abdulaziz Alajlan Sons for Commercial & Real Estate Investment Company – Ajlan & Bros.
The signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) encompasses the Al-Ghat and Waad Al-Shamal wind Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects, which will collectively infuse 1.1 GW of renewable energy into the national power network.
Specific details reveal the Al-Ghat wind farm, located in the Riyadh province, will boast a 600 MW capacity, and its counterpart, the Waad Al-Shamal wind farm in the Northern Borders province, will contribute 500 MW. Post-construction, SPPC will procure the generated electricity from these facilities for a duration of 25 years.
Marubeni has highlighted the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia, acknowledging its rapid development and designating it as a key market within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for their energy sector investments.
This venture marks a historical first for a Japanese company entering the wind energy market in Saudi Arabia.
In its statement, Marubeni also mentioned its previous engagements in the Saudi renewable energy landscape, which include the Rabigh Solar PV IPP project (300 MW), a rooftop solar PV initiative, a district cooling venture, and a clean hydrogen project.
The fruition of the Al-Ghat and Waad Al-Shamal projects is anticipated to significantly amplify Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy capabilities, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 aspirations to diversify its energy resources and lessen its reliance on fossil fuels.