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Saudi Arabia launches auction for 1.2 GW of solar PV projects

The Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REPDO) of Saudi Arabia has launched the third round of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), issuing the request for qualifications (RFQ) for four solar PV projects with a combined capacity of 1.2 GW. The solar project includes the 700 MW Ar Rass, 300 MW Saad, 120 MW Wadi Al Dawaser and 80 MW Layla solar PV projects. The two smaller projects are targeted for smaller companies.

In January 2019, the REPDO launched this second round, seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for seven solar PV with a combined capacity of 1.5 GW and requiring around US$1.5bn in investments. The solar PV projects included 600 MW Alfaisaliah, 300 MW Rabigh, 300 MW Jeddah, 200 MW Qurrayat, 50 MW Madinah, 45 MW Rafha, and 20 MW Mahad Duhab. REPDO short-listed 60 bidders in July 2019, which have until early February 2020 to send their proposals.

Saudi Arabia aims to reach 27.3 GW of renewable power capacity by 2024, and 58.7 GW by 2030, of which 40 GW will come from solar and 16 GW from onshore wind.