Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program has entered its sixth phase, with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) awarding contracts for four solar projects totaling 3 GW and one wind project. The program, supervised by the Saudi Ministry of Energy, continues to position the Kingdom as a global leader in low-cost renewable energy generation.
Overview of Round 6 Awards
The sixth-round tender, launched in September 2024, attracted strong international participation. The awarded projects include some of the most competitive solar tariffs globally, with one setting the second-lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for solar energy to date. One company won tenders for 2 solar projects totaling 2GW in capacity.
In total, the awarded solar capacity amounts to 3 GW, while a 1.5 GW wind project was also announced, further diversifying the country’s clean energy mix.
1. Najran Solar PV IPP – 1,400 MW
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Developer: Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)
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Location: Najran region, southern Saudi Arabia
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Capacity: 1.4 GW
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LCOE: $0.0110/kWh
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Significance:
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The project records the second-lowest solar LCOE worldwide, following the 600 MW Shuaiba 1 Solar Project (Saudi Arabia, 2021).
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Expected to power hundreds of thousands of homes with clean electricity.
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2. Ad Darb Solar PV IPP – 600 MW
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Developer: Masdar
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Location: Jazan province, southeastern Saudi Arabia
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Capacity: 600 MW
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LCOE: $0.0136/kWh
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Highlights:
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Marks Masdar’s second win in Round 6.
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Will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s renewable base in the southern region.
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3. Samtah Solar PV IPP – 600 MW
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Developers: Consortium of SPPC and EDF Power Solutions International
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Location: Jazan province, southeastern Saudi Arabia
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Capacity: 600 MW
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LCOE: $0.0149/kWh
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Highlights:
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One of two projects awarded in Jazan province.
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Combines Saudi leadership with French expertise through EDF.
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4. Sufun Solar PV IPP – 400 MW
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Developers: Consortium of TotalEnergies and Al Jomaih Energy & Water Company
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Location: Hail province, north-central Saudi Arabia
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Capacity: 400 MW
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LCOE: $0.0151/kWh
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Highlights:
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Continues TotalEnergies’ expansion in the Middle East solar market.
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Supports regional diversification of renewable projects.
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5. Unnamed Wind Project – 1,500 MW
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Developer: Not disclosed
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Capacity: 1.5 GW
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Highlights:
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Adds wind power to the mix of projects awarded under Round 6.
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Reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to achieve a renewable capacity of 64 GW by 2025.
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Program Outlook
According to SPPC, 43.2 GW of renewable energy projects have been awarded across the six rounds of the National Renewable Energy Program, with 12.3 GW already connected to the grid.
By the end of 2025, total tendered capacity is projected to reach 64 GW.
In September 2025, SPPC also announced a request for qualification (RFQ) for 3.1 GW of solar capacity across four new projects under the seventh round of the program.
As of end-2024, Saudi Arabia’s operational solar capacity surpassed 4.2 GW, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)—a milestone that underscores the Kingdom’s rapid progress in clean energy development.
