Saudi Arabia seeks bids for first utility-scale wind power project

Dubai, UAE - Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest exporter of crude oil, moved a step closer toward the construction of its first utilityscale wind power project.

The Energy Ministry asked potential bidders and plant developers to submit their qualifications to build the 400MW plant at Dumat al Jandal in the kingdom’s northwestern Al Jouf region, it said on Sunday in an emailed statement. Companies will be able to present their qualifications through August 10 and will have through January to submit work proposals, according to the statement.

Saudi Arabia plans to develop 30 solar and wind projects over the next ten years as part of a US$50bn programme to boost power generation and cut its oil consumption. The country will produce ten per cent of its power from renewable energy by 2023, Energy Minister Khalid al Falih said in April. Earlier that same month, the ministry listed 51 companies it said were qualified as potential bidders in the Saudi renewable energy programme.

“As we enter the second half of 2017, we remain committed to ensuring our ambitious program remains on-track to deliver the value and opportunities targeted,” Falih said.

The government has announced plans to offer tenders for renewable energy projects to generate 700MW this year. The country sought bids in April for a 300MW solar project and aims to announce a winner in November, the ministry said.