SOLAR-

#1-SPPC inks PPA for 2 GW solar project: State-owned Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the 2 GW Al Sadawi Solar Photovoltaic Project — part of KSA’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) (pdf) — with a consortium-led by UAE’s Masdar, Korea Electric Power Corp, and GD Power Development, according to a statement. The PPA — covering a 25-year period — is set to deliver clean energy at a Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of USD 1.29 per KWh. The plant is set to begin commercial operations by 2Q 2027.

(** Tap or click the headline above to read this story with all of the links to our background and outside sources.)

REFRESHER- SPPC shortlisted multiple consortiums last month to develop four solar projects with a total capacity of 3.7 GW, including Al Sadawi plant. The projects are expected to reel in SAR 8 bn (USD 2.1 bn) of investments.

#2- Al Jouf taps Engie for on-site solar plant: Al Jouf Cement Company has signed a 25-year agreement with France’s Engie to construct and operate a 22 MW solar power plant at its site in Turaif, according to a Tadawul filing. The value of the investment was not announced.

About the plant: The solar power plant is expected to meet approximately 25% of the energy-intensive cement producer’s electricity needs, significantly lowering its hefty electricity bill. The company estimates a monthly saving of SAR 3.6 mn compared to the current industrial electricity tariff. The project will offset some 1.5 mn tons of emissions.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY-

Siemens to boost buildings’ energy efficiency in UAE: Siemens Smart Infrastructure has partnered with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to retrofit 60 government buildings with advanced technology aimed at achieving up to 27% energy and water savings, according to a statement. The program — which targets healthcare and education facilities — is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 15.4k metric tons annually.

More on the plan: Siemens will upgrade HVAC systems, integrate movement and lighting sensors, and install centralized building management systems to enhance energy efficiency and user comfort.

Not the first collaboration with Siemens: The collaboration follows a successful pilot in which Siemens retrofitted seven ministry buildings, resulting in 20% energy and water savings. Last September, the UAE’s Energy and Infrastructure Ministry signed an MoU with Siemens Energy to boost sustainable development, grid infrastructure, and climate action.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • Egypt explores mining and infrastructure collaboration with IFC: Egypt’s Planning and International Cooperation Minister Rania Al Mashat met with officials from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to discuss collaboration in the mining and infrastructure sectors. Both parties explored areas of collaboration, including possible financing and technical support for mining projects, alongside Egypt’s renewable energy ambitions. (Statement)
Tags: