Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate its renewable energy transition as the Al Ghat Wind Power Project and Waad Al Shamal Wind Power Project move closer to full operation under the Kingdom’s National Renewable Energy Program. These projects form part of a broader strategy to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels while meeting growing electricity demand.
Scope and Current Status Saudi Arabia Wind Power Project
The Al Ghat Wind Power Project has reached an advanced construction stage and is currently in the commissioning phase. Recently, the project achieved a key milestone with the successful grid connection of its first wind turbine, marking the transition from construction to early operations.
Moreover, developers have already installed several turbine components, and grid infrastructure is now operational. However, the project has not yet reached full capacity, as commissioning continues in phases. Developers expect partial operations to expand throughout 2026, while full commercial operation of the 600 MW facility is anticipated between late 2026 and 2027.
Saudi Arabia continues to scale up wind energy capacity through major developments as the Al Ghat Wind Power Project, which achieved its first grid connection milestone and entered the commissioning phase. The project builds on earlier wind initiatives in the Kingdom, reinforcing the role of utility-scale wind farms in diversifying energy sources and supporting long-term sustainability targets.
Similarly, the Waad Al Shamal Wind Power Project, developed alongside Al Ghat, continues to advance through its construction phases. The project forms part of a combined 1.1 GW wind energy package awarded to a consortium led by Marubeni Corporation and Abdul Aziz Al-Ajlan Sons Co..
In addition, both projects share similar development frameworks, including long-term power purchase agreements with Saudi Power Procurement Company. This is to ensure stable revenue streams and bankable project structures.
Strategic Importance Saudi Arabia Wind Power Project
Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a leading renewable energy market in the Middle East. Moreover, these wind projects demonstrate how the Kingdom leverages international partnerships, competitive tariffs, and strong regulatory support to deliver large-scale clean energy infrastructure.
Furthermore, the projects contribute directly to the national target of generating 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, while also reducing carbon emissions and improving energy security.
Project Milestones and Development Timeline
The projects followed a structured development timeline to ensure efficient delivery. Initially, developers secured project awards and completed feasibility studies in 2023, followed by financial close in 2024 through a consortium of international lenders.
Subsequently, contractors initiated equipment shipments and site mobilization in late 2024. This furtherly enabled civil works and turbine foundation construction in 2025. Thereafter, developers progressed to turbine installation and commissioning, culminating in the first grid connection milestone achieved in 2026.
Looking ahead, both projects will gradually scale up operations as additional turbines come online, with full capacity expected by 2027.
These wind projects not only strengthen Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy capacity but also attract international investment, foster technology transfer, and create thousands of jobs across construction, engineering, and operations. Furthermore, ongoing monitoring and data analysis ensure efficiency, reliability, and environmental compliance, making Al Ghat and Waad Al Shamal benchmarks for future utility-scale renewable developments in the Middle East.
Project Fact Sheet
Project Names: Al Ghat Wind Power Project; Waad Al Shamal Wind Power Project
Location: Saudi Arabia
Total Capacity: 1.1 GW combined (Al Ghat: 600 MW)
Estimated Cost: $624 million (Al Ghat portion)
Technology: Onshore wind turbines (7.7 MW units)
Status: Construction and commissioning
Expected Completion: 2026–2027
Environmental Impact: Significant CO₂ reduction annually
Offtaker: Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC)
Project Team
Developers / Sponsors:
EPC Contractor:
Offtaker:
Lenders:
- Japan Bank for International Cooperation
- Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank
- Standard Chartered Bank
- Commercial Bank of Dubai
Regulatory Authority: