Shanghai Electric Signs 2GW Solar Deal in Saudi Arabia

  • Shanghai Electric signed a 2GW photovoltaic project agreement with Masdar in Saudi Arabia and a wind power partnership with Oman’s Mawarid Group.
  • The projects support Saudi Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040, advancing clean energy and local economic growth.

In early April, Shanghai Electric achieved two key cooperation agreements in the Middle East. The company signed a 2-gigawatt photovoltaic project deal with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company “Masdar” in Saudi Arabia and a comprehensive wind power cooperation agreement with Oman’s Mawarid Group.

These agreements align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Oman Vision 2040, advancing the region’s energy transition through technology exports, localised manufacturing, and cross-sector collaboration.

The Sadawi photovoltaic project in Saudi Arabia, developed jointly with Masdar, marks Shanghai Electric’s largest solar EPC project worldwide. Covering 40 square kilometres, the plant generates over 6 billion kWh annually. This is enough to supply electricity to 700,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by 3 million tonnes.

The project harnesses advanced photovoltaic technology to optimise the region’s solar potential and forms a central part of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Programme.

In Oman, Shanghai Electric’s partnership with Mawarid Group includes the supply of wind turbines, technology transfer, and localised factory design. The cooperation aims to tap into Oman’s natural resources, build a local supply chain, and foster long-term economic growth.

According to Mr Wu Lei, Chairman of Shanghai Electric Group, “This agreement marks a new beginning for comprehensive cooperation between Shanghai Electric and Masdar, and represents a significant milestone in our expansion into the Middle East’s renewable energy market. We aim to develop a model demonstration project that contributes meaningfully to the global energy transition.”

Masdar Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi affirmed, “Masdar places high value on its partnership with Shanghai Electric. We look forward to deepening collaboration in wind power, photovoltaics, energy storage, and other fields to drive the global shift in energy structures jointly.”

Omani Minister of Energy and Minerals Salim Al Aufi commended Shanghai Electric’s innovation in wind power and technological expertise. He welcomed the wind power agreement as a platform to broaden cooperation. He expressed interest in expanding joint efforts across energy storage, hydrogen energy, and solar power to support Oman’s energy transformation.

Furthermore, Mr Wu remarked, “Oman’s progressive Vision 2040 and Green Hydrogen Strategy align closely with Shanghai Electric’s strategic goals. We intend to seize this opportunity to combine cutting-edge technology and high-quality new energy products with Oman’s rich resources and market strengths. Through technology licensing and localised supply chain development, we will drive the execution of premium projects and contribute to Oman’s clean energy future while deepening China-Arab energy ties.”

The agreements carry significant strategic and industrial value. The Omani wind power project will accelerate the country’s transition to diverse clean energy sources, including wind and hydrogen while strengthening China-Arab technical cooperation.

Meanwhile, the photovoltaic project in Saudi Arabia directly supports the country’s shift from fossil fuels, fosters economic diversification, and establishes a platform for Shanghai Electric’s wider growth in the region’s solar sector.

This dual-track collaboration reflects Shanghai Electric’s technology-led and locally integrated approach, reinforcing its position as a global renewable energy leader through its strengths in solar and wind innovation.

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