- ACWA Power launched its first overseas Innovation Centre in Shanghai, focusing on green energy technologies like photovoltaics, wind, energy storage, green hydrogen, and desalination.
- The company signed MOUs with Gulf Renewables Laboratory and Shanghai Jiao Tong University to drive innovation and partnerships.
- The Centre supports ACWA Power’s global sustainability goals, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and China’s green energy transition.
ACWA Power, a global energy leader and the largest private water desalination company launched its first overseas Innovation Centre in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. The new facility focuses on advancing innovations in photovoltaics, wind energy, energy storage, green hydrogen, and seawater desalination.
The company invested RMB 20 million (USD 2.8 million) in the project’s first phase. The Centre features a state-of-the-art R&D hub and a Green Energy Laboratory. The Pudong New Area Government recognised the Centre with the ‘Group Open Innovation (GOI)’ certification, confirming its role as a leader in technology and innovation.
At the launch event, ACWA Power signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Gulf Renewables Laboratory (GRL) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). These partnerships will supply the Centre with talent and technical expertise, driving key projects forward.
Saleh Khabti, President of ACWA Power in China, said, “Our Innovation Centre in Shanghai shows our commitment to global collaboration and technological progress. By working with leading organisations, we aim to drive sustainable energy and water solutions across our global markets.”
The Centre brings together government entities, state-owned enterprises, startups, OEMs, universities, and research institutions to spark innovation from research to practical application.
Bart Boesmans, ACWA Power’s Chief Technology Officer, added, “Innovation drives our success, especially in our industries. This facility, along with the expertise of our partners, will ignite innovation across ACWA Power’s value chain.”
The new centre aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and ACWA Power’s Strategy 2.0. It supports the company’s global sustainability and technological goals. The Centre helps Saudi Arabia and China meet environmental targets while fostering a greener economy.
This facility builds on ACWA Power’s entry into China’s renewable energy market. Earlier this year, the company secured investment agreements for over 1GW of projects across multiple Chinese provinces. ACWA Power plans to invest up to USD 30 billion in China by 2030, reflecting its ambition to triple its total assets under management to USD 250 billion globally.
The Innovation Centre is key in advancing Saudi Arabia and China’s green energy transitions. Through partnerships with significant energy and technology players, the Centre accelerates sustainable solutions and creates an environment for collaborative growth.