King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud commences ground-breaking of iconic Sakaka PV IPP project

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, HRH Mohammad bin Salman also attended the event

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia officially commences the ground-breaking ceremony for the 300 MW Sakaka PV IPP - the first renewable energy project under King Salman Renewable Energy Initiative - as part of the King’s welcoming reception in Al Jouf. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers, Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund, also graced the event with his presence, marking the significance of the occasion.

In addition, the ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness, Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Al-Jouf, His Excellency, Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources and Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power.

Commenting on the occasion, Mohammad Abunayyan, Chairman of ACWA Power, said:

Mohammad Abunayyan added: 

The event took place following an announcement last week of the successful financial closure of the c. SAR 1.2 billion project by ACWA Power, a leading developer, owner, and operator of power generation and water desalination plants.

The commercial operation date of the plant is expected to be next year. Upon completion, the 300 MW Sakaka PV IPP will supply 45,000 households with power in Al Jouf, while offsetting over 430,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. The project will also create new employment opportunities in fields including construction and operations.