Saudi Arabia Expands Solar and Wind Capacity

Saudi Arabia is accelerating its shift toward clean power as solar and wind energy become increasingly cost-competitive. Through the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), the Kingdom procures large-scale projects via competitive tenders managed by the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) and the Ministry of Energy.

The program aims to build 130 GW of renewable capacity and raise renewables to 50% of electricity generation by 2030, in line with رؤية السعودية 2030. By January 2026, at least 30 GW had been awarded across six auction rounds.

Round 6 alone awarded five projects totaling 4.5 GW, backed by investment exceeding SAR 9 billion. These included the 1,500 MW Dawadmi wind project, the 1,400 MW Najran solar project, the 600 MW Ad Darb solar project, the 600 MW Samtah solar project, and the 400 MW As Sufun solar project. Reported Round 6 tariffs ranged from about 4.11 to 5.65 halalas A seventh round has qualified bidders for an additional 5.3 GW of solar and wind capacity.

Record-low power costs

Falling prices are a defining feature of the program. The Al Shuaibah 2 solar project recorded a tariff of about 1.04 US cents, roughly 3.90 halalas, while the Dumat Al-Jandal wind project set a world-record-low cost for wind electricity. NREP projects typically run on long-term power-purchase agreements of about 25 years.

For residents and businesses, cheaper renewable generation supports a more diversified and sustainable energy supply over the coming years. Development, bidding, and contracting are handled through SPPC and the Ministry of Energy, and no individual-service fee applies through platforms such as أبشر, مقيم, قوى, ناجز, نفاذ, or توكلنا.

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