- ACWA Power and Bapco Energies sign a JDA to develop a 2.8 GW solar and battery project in Saudi Arabia.
- The project will export electricity to Bahrain, supporting the country’s national power demand and advancing the transition to renewable energy.
ACWA Power and Bapco Energies have formalised a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to jointly develop a large-scale solar power plant integrated with battery energy storage in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The agreement was signed during the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council meeting in December 2025, highlighting the close energy cooperation between the two nations. This ambitious project is designed to be developed in multiple phases and is expected to achieve a total generation capacity of up to 2.8 GW.
Once operational, the electricity generated will be exported to Bahrain and delivered to Bapco Energies’ load centre. This will not only support Bahrain’s national power demand but also accelerate the country’s transition towards renewable energy. By enabling cross-border clean power flows, the project will strengthen regional energy cooperation, enhance energy security, and position the region as a hub for emerging clean energy exports. Furthermore, it aligns seamlessly with the long-term strategic objectives of both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, including economic diversification and net-zero ambitions.
Raad Al Saady, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ACWA Power, emphasised that the agreement reflects the strong bilateral ties between the two countries. He noted that the partnership directly supports the strategic clean energy goals of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable development. Similarly, Mark Thomas, Group CEO of Bapco Energies, described the collaboration as a key milestone in the company’s efforts to diversify its energy sources. He added that the joint venture enhances long-term energy security while promoting cooperation on renewable energy across the region.
The project forms part of Bapco Energies’ broader national strategy to diversify its energy mix, improve efficiency, and ensure secure and competitive access to electricity. Simultaneously, it expands ACWA Power’s renewable energy portfolio across the region, reinforcing the company’s role as a leading developer of clean energy solutions. By integrating solar power with advanced battery storage, the project addresses the intermittency challenges of renewable generation and guarantees a reliable supply of clean electricity.
Looking ahead, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for future regional collaborations, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy to drive sustainable growth and cross-border economic cooperation. Both companies have committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology and best practices to ensure timely project delivery and optimal performance.