Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi Accelerate Ambitious Renewable Energy Initiatives

Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi are intensifying their efforts to transform their energy sectors, aiming to significantly increase renewable energy capacities by 2030 and 2035, respectively. These initiatives are central to their broader strategies for economic diversification and environmental sustainability.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 outlines a target for renewables to constitute 50% of the nation’s energy mix by 2030, equating to approximately 130 gigawatts of renewable capacity. This ambitious plan includes a substantial focus on solar energy, projected to contribute about 60% of the new capacity, with wind energy accounting for the remaining 40%. To achieve these goals, the Kingdom has allocated $50 billion towards renewable energy development. Additionally, Saudi Arabia aims to replace inefficient oil-fired power stations with combined cycle gas turbines operating at over 60% efficiency, further reducing carbon emissions.

In alignment with these objectives, Saudi Arabia has engaged in significant international collaborations. Notably, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Riyadh in December 2024, agreements were signed with France’s TotalEnergies and EDF Renewables. TotalEnergies is set to construct a 0.3 GW solar park in Rabigh Industrial City, while EDF Renewables will develop two solar parks totaling 1.4 GW in partnership with China’s State Power Investment Corporation. These projects are expected to be operational by 2026 and have secured 25-year power purchase agreements with the Saudi Power Procurement Company.

Despite these initiatives, as of 2022, Saudi Arabia had installed approximately 0.4 GW of renewable energy capacity, generating less than 2% of its electricity from renewables. This indicates a need for an accelerated deployment of renewable infrastructure to meet the 2030 targets.