Marafiq Red Sea Project

Marafiq Red Sea Project

The Red Sea Utilities Multi-Utilities Project is a landmark greenfield initiative developed by ACWA Power in partnership with Red Sea Global, supporting Saudi Arabia’s premier tourism destination along the Red Sea coast. Under a 25-year Utilities Concession Agreement, ACWA Power is responsible for the development, construction, operation, and eventual transfer of a fully integrated, off-grid utilities infrastructure.

The project includes a 340 MWac solar PV plant combined with one of the world’s largest captive-scale battery energy storage systems (1,000–1,200 MWh), enabling 24/7 clean energy supply. In addition to renewable power, the scope covers seawater desalination (up to 32,500 m³/day), wetlands-based sewage treatment (16,000 m³/day), district cooling (32,500 RT), and zero-landfill waste management (~11,775 t/year).

With financial close reached in early 2022, backed by international and local lenders and supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the project represents a pioneering model of sustainable infrastructure aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Red Sea destination masterplan.

Key facts

  • Location

    65km North UMLUJ (Al Wajh Lagoon), Tabuk, KSA

  • Offtaker

    TRSDC affiliate / Red Sea Global (RSG)

  • Fuel

    Biofuel B100

  • Capacity

    PV: 358 MW AC (Total Installed Capacities) BESS: 1,225.4 MWh ICE: 112.5 MW SWRO : 32,500 m3/day STP (Constructed Wetland) 16,000 m3/day STP (MBBR) : 2,315 m3/d District Cooling : 32,500 TR Integrated Solid Waste Management : 11,500.00 T/y

  • Technology

    Off-Grid forming including PV/BESS/ICE Plants, SWRO Plants, District Cooling Plants, Waste Treatment (Constructed Wetland and MBBR) Plants, Integrated Waste Management Facility Plant

  • Project cost

    US$ 1,300 million

  • Commercial operations date

    2025

  • Acwa share

    50%

  • Other investors

    SAUDI TABREED (15%), SPIC (35%)

  • Offtake contract

    UCA – BOOT 25 Years

  • Project company

    MARAFIQ REDSEA ENERGY Co.

  • Operations & maintenance company

    Acwa Operations

  • Engineering, procurement & construction company

    Tiejun