Shanghai Electric, a leading multinational power generation and electrical equipment manufacturer, has announced its partnership with Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based future energy company, for the development of the Al Sadawi Solar Photovoltaic Project in Saudi Arabia.
The initiative is part of Round 5 of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Programme, aimed at diversifying the Kingdom’s energy mix and boosting renewable energy capacity. Upon completion, the Al Sadawi project will become the largest photovoltaic EPC project ever undertaken by Shanghai Electric, the company confirmed in an official statement.
The project stems from a successful bid in November 2024, when a Masdar-led consortium, comprising China’s GD Power and Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco), secured the contract for the Al Sadawi Independent Power Producer (IPP) project. The project is located in the Sadawi Region of Saudi Arabia.
A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) under a build, own, and operate (BOO) model. Commercial operations are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2027, according to Shanghai Electric.
The partnership reflects a growing trend of cross-border collaborations in the global clean energy sector, particularly within the Middle East’s expanding solar energy market.
