Samtah Rising: Saudi Arabia’s Shining Step Toward a Greener Tomorrow

A Landmark Day in Riyadh

In RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, history was written under the golden glow of progress. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) and EDF Power Solutions’ consortium officially signed a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC). This pact signals the launch of the **Samtah Solar PV Power Project**, a pivotal development in **Round 6 of the National Renewable Energy Program**.  

The signing ceremony radiated significance, with His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Energy, gracing the event. Alongside him stood Bernard Fontana, Chairman & CEO of the EDF Group, and key leaders including Eng. Khalid bin Salem AlGhamdi, CEO of SEC; Mazin Al-Bahkali, CEO of SPPC; and Omar Al-Daweesh, CEO KSA of EDF Group. This unified presence reflected not just an agreement, but a shared vision — a determined stride toward a cleaner, more innovative energy future for the Kingdom.  

Powering Homes, Protecting Planet

Set in the sun-drenched landscapes of the Jazan Province — 35 kilometers southwest of Jazan City and 15 kilometers north of Samtah — the project will be developed, financed, built, and operated by the SEC–EDF consortium. Brimming with potential, the 600 MW Samtah Solar Power Project is scheduled to come online in the first quarter of 2028. Once operational, it will supply clean electricity to more than 100,000 homes each year, while cutting over **1.1 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually**.  

This strategic solar venture directly supports Saudi Arabia’s goal of producing 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. It stands as a beacon of decarbonization, innovation, and localization — with a significant portion of materials, equipment, and services sourced from Saudi companies during its construction phase. This means more than just power generation; it sparks job creation, boosts local industries, and strengthens national capabilities, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy multiply across communities.  

Voices of Vision

For SEC, this represents a defining milestone — their first large-scale solar photovoltaic project. As Eng. Khalid bin Salem AlGhamdi expressed, it reflects a deep strategic commitment to expanding renewable generation, ensuring sustainability, and advancing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 energy goals.  

For EDF, according to Omar Al-Daweesh, it reinforces their role as a trusted international clean energy developer, bringing global expertise and local insight to deliver a high-standard, people-centered renewable project. Together, the partners are shaping a diversified, low-carbon energy future, proving that collaborative ambition can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous tomorrow.  

The Samtah Solar PV Project isn’t just about harnessing sunlight — it’s about harnessing hope, innovation, and community growth.** In a changing world, Saudi Arabia is making sure the light shines brighter, cleaner, and longer into the future.  

Desert Giants: How a 4GWh BESS Deployment Will Redefine Energy Resilience in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, - HiTHIUM, a leading global manufacturer of energy storage solutions, has been awarded a major contract by Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to deploy two battery energy storage system projects in northern Saudi Arabia's Tabuk and Hail provinces. The total capacity of the projects is 4GWh, utilizing HiTHIUM's long-duration energy storage battery cells in ∞Power 6.25MWh Desert Eagle Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This landmark project, developed in partnership with Alfanar Projects, represents one of the largest BESS deployments in the Middle East and will play a pivotal role in advancing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by enhancing grid stability and renewable energy integration.

Consequently, the award signifies both strategic ambition and technical confidence. Moreover, the initiative directly aligns with national objectives to increase renewable penetration while maintaining reliable supply. Therefore, stakeholders should expect measurable improvements in system flexibility and long-term operational resilience.

Innovation Meets Extreme Environments

Leveraging HiTHIUM's industry-leading ∞Cell 1175Ah technology – the world's first mass-produced long-duration energy storage solution – the project features ∞Power 6.25MWh Desert Eagle series containerized systems specifically engineered for Saudi Arabia's harsh climate.

Heat Resilience: Multi-layer insulation reduces internal temperatures by 8–10°C, ensuring reliable operation in -30°C to 60°C. Sandstorm Protection: Fully sealed components and automated dust alerts minimize maintenance needs. Proven Durability: Critical components rated for 40,000+ hours of continuous operation. Thus, the technical design anticipates environmental stressors and mitigates operational risk proactively.

In addition, the modular containerized approach facilitates rapid deployment and scalable expansion. Consequently, project developers can adapt capacity to evolving demand patterns while preserving lifecycle economics and safety standards.

Strategic Impact & Local Commitment

The BESS will provide critical grid services, including load shifting, black-start capabilities, frequency regulation, and voltage support, enabling higher renewable energy penetration and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. As the technology provider, HiTHIUM will oversee system design, supply, installation supervision, and long-term maintenance, while will lead Alfanar Projects leads construction, with commissioning targeted for 2026.

Dr. Keramat Fakhari, President of MEA at HiTHIUM highlighted: "This landmark 4GWh project marks a pivotal moment—not just for Saudi Arabia, but for HiTHIUM's commitment to delivering mission-critical energy storage where it matters most. By integrating our industry-leading ∞Cell technology with SEC's vision and Alfanar's regional expertise, we're redefining renewable integration in extreme environments. The deployments in Tabuk and Hail set a new benchmark for gigawatt-scale storage globally, proving HiTHIUM's role in accelerating the clean energy transition." Accordingly, the collaboration demonstrates tangible local commitment and strengthens regional supply-chain and technical capacity.

In summary, this deployment combines advanced long-duration storage technology with climate-hardened engineering and strategic partnership, thereby advancing both operational reliability and sustainability goals. Ultimately, the Tabuk and Hail BESS projects will serve as demonstrable catalysts for broader energy transition efforts across the Middle East.

The Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project

Introduction to the Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project

In a significant advancement for the energy sector in the Middle East, Orascom Construction PLC recently announced a pivotal milestone in its operations. The company, in a 50-50 joint venture with Técnicas Reunidas, has signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project. This monumental endeavor involves the development of a 3 GW combined cycle gas-fired power plant located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The strategic importance of this project cannot be overstated, as it not only addresses the growing energy demands of the region but also integrates readiness for carbon capture, thus aligning with global sustainability goals.

The project also includes the construction of a 380 kV electrical substation, which is essential for the efficient distribution of electricity generated from the plant. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by Orascom Construction and its partners to enhance the energy landscape in Saudi Arabia, thus ensuring the availability of reliable power for its burgeoning economy. The total value of the EPC contract exceeds USD 2.6 billion, underlining the scale and ambition of the Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project.

Strategic Partnership and Project Execution

Orascom Construction and Técnicas Reunidas have taken a significant step by signing the EPC contract with Hajr Two Electricity Company, a consortium that includes prominent players such as ACWA Power, Saudi Electricity Company, and Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. Ltd. This collaborative effort is indicative of a unified approach to tackling the intricate challenges associated with large-scale energy projects. By joining forces, these companies bring together a wealth of experience and expertise, which is essential for the successful execution of the Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project.

The partnership between Orascom Construction and Técnicas Reunidas is not new; it extends beyond this project and showcases a commitment to fostering long-term relationships in the industry. Both companies have demonstrated a proven track record in delivering high-quality projects in various sectors, particularly in power generation. The recent issuance of the Limited Notice to Proceed signals the commencement of project activities, paving the way for the construction phase. This momentum reflects the confidence that stakeholders have in the capabilities of this joint venture, setting the stage for a transformative impact on the energy landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Enhancing Regional Power Capacity

The Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project is poised to significantly enhance the power capacity in the Eastern Province and beyond. As energy demands continue to rise in Saudi Arabia, driven by rapid economic growth and urbanization, the need for reliable and sustainable power solutions becomes increasingly critical. The addition of 3 GW of capacity from the combined cycle gas-fired power plant will play a crucial role in meeting these demands, ensuring that the region can support its expanding industrial and residential needs.

Moreover, the project's readiness for carbon capture demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to energy production. As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, integrating carbon capture technology is essential in mitigating the environmental impact of fossil fuel-based power generation. This commitment to sustainability not only enhances the project's appeal but also aligns with global efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources. By investing in such innovative technologies, Orascom Construction and its partners are not only contributing to Saudi Arabia's energy landscape but are also positioning themselves as leaders in the global energy sector.

Commitment to Quality and Excellence

Osama Bishai, CEO of Orascom Construction, articulated the company's vision for the Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project, emphasizing the importance of geographic diversification and strategic focus on key sectors such as power and water. His statement underlines the company’s proactive approach to identify and seize opportunities that leverage their extensive expertise in the industry. The emphasis on delivering high-quality projects is a cornerstone of Orascom Construction’s operational philosophy, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of excellence.

The company's successful track record in the power sector is further evidenced by its accomplishments in Egypt, where it has completed and is currently constructing projects with a total capacity exceeding 30 GW. This experience positions Orascom Construction favorably to replicate its success in Saudi Arabia, where the energy market is rapidly evolving. The synergy between Orascom Construction and Técnicas Reunidas will ensure that the Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project not only meets the technical specifications but also adheres to timelines and budgetary constraints, ultimately delivering maximum value to stakeholders.

A New Era of Energy in Saudi Arabia

The Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Saudi Arabia's energy sector. Through the collaboration between Orascom Construction and Técnicas Reunidas, this initiative exemplifies the potential of strategic partnerships in addressing the challenges of energy production. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and excellence, the project is set to deliver a substantial increase in power capacity while also incorporating advanced technologies for carbon capture.

As the project progresses, it will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing transformation of the energy landscape in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country’s Vision 2030 objectives. The commitment to delivering high-quality projects that provide reliable and sustainable power reflects a broader trend in the global energy sector, where the integration of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices is becoming the norm. The Qurayyah IPP Expansion Project is not just a testament to the capabilities of Orascom Construction and Técnicas Reunidas; it is a beacon of progress that heralds a new era of energy for the region.