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.
