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Saudi Arabia's Green Leap: ACWA Power Activates Three Solar Plants

Saudi Arabia's Green Leap: ACWA Power Activates Three Solar Plants

Leaders8 hours ago
ACWA Power energizes Saudi Arabia's renewable future by launching three major solar power plants nationwide that add a formidable 2.79 gigawatts of clean energy capacity to the national grid. The company announced successful commercial operations for these critical Independent Power Projects (IPPs) simultaneously to Tadawul. This significant expansion adds substantial clean energy capacity directly supporting Vision 2030 goals right now, bringing the Kingdom decisively closer to its sustainable energy targets immediately. Al Kahfah Project Powers Hail Region
ACWA Power received its initial commercial operation certificate for the massive 1,425-megawatt Al Kahfah solar plant in Hail, delivering clean electricity reliably to over one million Saudi households annually without delay. Furthermore, its consistent output significantly reduces the Kingdom's carbon footprint starting immediately today, which represents a major step forward for regional development clearly.
The company also secured an initial certificate for 1,000 megawatts at the expansive Ar Rass 2 solar facility within Qassim. This crucial phase brings half of the plant's total 2,000-megawatt capacity fully online right now. Consequently, Ar Rass 2 begins contributing substantial renewable power to the national grid effectively today. This activation marks vital progress toward completing the entire complex successfully. SAAD 2 Reaches Full Capacity in Riyadh
Additionally, ACWA Power obtained the second commercial operation certificate for the remaining 365.7 megawatts at the SAAD 2 PV project near Riyadh. This final step brings the entire SAAD 2 facility to its full operational capacity of 1,125 megawatts immediately. Therefore, the Riyadh project now operates at maximum potential delivering clean energy consistently. Its completion significantly boosts the capital region's sustainable power supply reliably.
ACWA Power holds a controlling 50.1% stake in each of these three landmark solar ventures across the Kingdom, actively managing these assets to ensure optimal performance and contribution. Consequently, these projects will positively impact ACWA Power's financial results beginning in the second half of 2025. This timeline reflects the immediate operational success and revenue generation from all sites now. Ultimately, this triple launch dramatically accelerates Saudi Arabia's journey toward energy leadership and environmental stewardship.
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