ACWA Power Unveils Plans to Localize Renewable Energy Sector in Saudi Arabia

The localization rate at the “Sakaka" Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project has reached nearly 100%. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The localization rate at the “Sakaka" Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project has reached nearly 100%. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

ACWA Power Unveils Plans to Localize Renewable Energy Sector in Saudi Arabia

The localization rate at the “Sakaka" Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project has reached nearly 100%. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The localization rate at the “Sakaka" Photovoltaic Solar Energy Project has reached nearly 100%. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

ACWA Power has declared its continued dedication to localizing the renewable energy sector in Saudi Arabia through extensive plans and strategies aligned with the Kingdom’s goal of meeting 50% of its energy needs with clean energy by 2030.

Saudi Arabia has undertaken the construction of numerous mega projects, including solar and wind power stations, which stand as the world’s largest. This significant leap aligns with the country's pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and combat climate change.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia is a youthful nation, with 63% of its citizens under the age of 30.

Despite this demographic, the Kingdom achieved the fastest-growing economy within the G20 group in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The renewable energy industry worldwide is undergoing a pivotal turning point, fueled by Saudi Arabia’s ambitious aspirations to lead the energy transition. Consequently, investing in national human capital has become a crucial element in developing and implementing future energy solutions to achieve these objectives.

For its part, ACWA Power confirmed its dedication to keeping pace with this development.

Mohammad Abunayyan, chairman of ACWA Power, emphasized the value that young national energies add to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

“We recognize our responsibility towards our young national energies and the immense potential they possess,” said Abunayyan.

“Therefore, we are working on their training, promoting values, developing essential skills, and nurturing the knowledge that empowers them to lead the future of the clean energy and water sectors,” he added.

ACWA Power reiterated its commitment to supporting youth development in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and contributing to the diversification of the country’s economy.

It aims to play an active role in driving the realization of this vision by prioritizing the empowerment of young men and women and investing in programs that nurture their talents.



Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
TT

Türkiye Receives Waiver for Gas Payments to Russia from Gazprombank Sanctions

A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo
A view shows a board with the logo of Gazprombank at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia June 5, 2024. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov/File Photo

Türkiye has received an exemption for gas payments to Russia after the United States imposed sanctions on Gazprombank, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar revealed in response to a question from Reuters.

The US imposed new sanctions on Russia's Gazprombank in November, creating an obstacle for buyers of Russian gas, which had been using the bank to make payments. They have since been seeking clarification and exploring other ways to pay.

Türkiye imports almost all its gas requirement and Russia is the top supplier, providing more than 50% of the country's pipeline imports.

Ankara's pipeline gas imports from Russia stood at 21.1 bcm last year.

Türkiye had requested an exemption in discussions with US officials so that it can continue paying for Russian natural gas imports via Gazprombank.

The US on Thursday also granted a waiver to Hungary, which mainly relies on Russian oil and gas.