Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Power Procurement Company (Principal Buyer), has launched a request for qualification (RFQ) for 5,300 megawatts (MW) of solar and wind projects under the seventh round of its National Renewable Energy Program (NREP).
The projects, to be developed as independent power producers, include four solar plants and two wind farms. They comprise the 1,400 MW Tabarjal 2 solar PV project in Al-Jouf, the 600 MW Mawqaq plant in Hail, the 600 MW Tathleeth facility in Aseer, and the 500 MW South Al Ula project in Madinah. On the wind side, the round features the 1,300 MW Bilghah and 900 MW Shagran projects, both in the Madinah region.
The NREP, overseen by the Ministry of Energy and implemented by the Saudi Power Procurement Company (Principal Buyer), is a cornerstone of the kingdom’s plan to diversify its energy mix, reduce reliance on oil, and harness its vast solar and wind resources.
The Principal Buyer is responsible for preparing feasibility studies, tendering projects, and signing long-term power purchase agreements with developers. To date, it has launched more than 43 GW of renewable projects, with contracts signed for 38 GW.
The latest round comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to meet its target of generating 50% of its electricity from renewable and gas sources by 2030, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.
