Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 25, Riyadh-based ACWA Power has obtained commercial operation certifications for three large-scale solar projects in Saudi Arabia, further expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity. The company announced the development through its filings on the Saudi exchange platform Tadawul, confirming that each certificate was issued via the project companies responsible for their respective projects.

The first certification applies to 1 GW of the 2 GW ArRass2 solar photovoltaic (PV) project located in the Qassim region of central Saudi Arabia. The certificate was granted to Nawwar Renewable Energy Co., the project company overseeing ArRass2.

The second certification was awarded to SAAD 2 PV Project Co. for the SAAD 2 Solar PV project. The certificate covers 365.7 MW, enabling the facility to reach its full operating capacity of 1,125 MW.

The third certification was issued to Ishaa Renewable Energy Co. for the Al Kahfa Solar PV project in Hail, northwestern Saudi Arabia. This certificate covers the entire capacity of 1,425 MW. Together, the three projects represent a combined certified capacity of 2.79 GW.

ACWA Power holds a 50.1% ownership stake in each of the project companies. According to its exchange filings, the company expects the financial impact of these certifications to be reflected during the second half of the year.

In addition to these achievements, ACWA Power has recently expanded its role in Saudi Arabia’s renewable sector. In July, Saudi Power Procurement Co. signed seven renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs) with consortia led by ACWA Power. These included five solar agreements totaling 15 GW, which the company highlighted as the largest renewable capacity awarded in a single phase worldwide.

Earlier, in September 2024, ACWA Power secured $2.6 billion in financing through a consortium of banks for three solar plants in Saudi Arabia with a combined capacity of 5.5 GW. These initiatives align with the country’s broader energy strategy to diversify sources and enhance renewable energy deployment.

Saudi Arabia has set a goal of reaching 50% renewable energy in its energy mix by the end of this decade. By the close of 2024, its total installed solar capacity exceeded 4.2 GW, according to figures published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Further expansion continues with international cooperation. Earlier this week, a consortium comprising Masdar, GD Power, and Korea Electric Power Corp. achieved financial close on the 2 GW Al Sadawi solar project in Saudi Arabia. This milestone reflects growing global participation in the country’s renewable energy sector.

The three commercial operation certifications received by ACWA Power reinforce both the company’s leading role in Saudi Arabia’s energy transition and the country’s progress toward its long-term renewable energy targets. Together, these projects highlight a significant increase in large-scale solar generation capacity within the region.