 | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement .(December 2023) |
| Sudair Solar PV Project | |
|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia |
| Location | Sudair Industrial City |
| Status | Operational [1] |
| Commission date | 2023 |
| Construction cost | $924 million |
| Owner(s) | Sudair One Renewable Energy Company & Consortium ACWA Power |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 1.5 GW |
The Sudair PV IPP is a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant located in Sudair Industrial City, Saudi Arabia. [2]
The Sudair Solar PV Project, a significant solar photovoltaic power plant, is in the final stages of commissioning in Sudair Industrial City, Saudi Arabia. This project forms part of the Public Investment Fund (PIF)'s initiative within the renewable energy sector and contributes to the goal of Saudi Vision 2030 to derive 70% of the country’s renewable energy by 2030. Additionally, it supports the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a circular carbon economy.
When completed the Sudair Solar PV Project will have a capacity of 1,500 MW, with the ability to supply power to approximately 185,000 households. [3] The undertaking involves a investment of SAR 3.4 billion ($924 million) and forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader renewable energy strategy, targeting 58.7 GW of clean energy by 2030. [4]
This project incorporates bi-facial solar panels with single-axis tracking technology, optimizing sun absorption and enhancing overall system efficiency. [5] Encompassing an area of 30.8 square kilometers, the project comprises 4.5 million solar modules.
Forecasts suggest that the Sudair Solar PV Project will annually offset an estimated 2.9 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, making a substantial contribution to environmental sustainability. In addition, the initiative is expected to generate employment opportunities, with 1,200 jobs during the construction phase and 120 permanent jobs during operation.
Led by a consortium comprising ACWA Power, Water and Electricity Holding Company (Badeel), and Saudi Aramco Power Company, the project was awarded in January 2021, construction of the project completed and commissioned partially in 2023 and is slated for full completion by 2024. [6]
Renewable energy progress in the European Union (EU) is driven by the European Commission's 2023 revision of the Renewable Energy Directive, which raises the EU's binding renewable energy target for 2030 to at least 42.5%, up from the previous target of 32%. Effective since November 20, 2023, across all EU countries, this directive aligns with broader climate objectives, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Additionally, the Energy 2020 strategy exceeded its goals, with the EU achieving a 22.1% share of renewable energy in 2020, surpassing the 20% target.
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EnergyinSaudi Arabia involves petroleum and natural gas production, consumption, and exports, and electricity production. Saudi Arabia is the world's leading oil producer and exporter. Saudi Arabia's economy is petroleum-based; oil accounts for 90% of the country's exports and nearly 75% of government revenue. The oil industry produces about 45% of Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product, against 40% from the private sector. Saudi Arabia has per capita GDP of $20,700. The economy is still very dependent on oil despite diversification, in particular in the petrochemical sector.
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