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Saudi Arabia Speeds Up Pace to Activate Small-Scale Solar PV Systems

Saudi Arabia begins using small-scale solar PV systems to generate electricity. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia begins using small-scale solar PV systems to generate electricity. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Speeds Up Pace to Activate Small-Scale Solar PV Systems

Saudi Arabia begins using small-scale solar PV systems to generate electricity. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia begins using small-scale solar PV systems to generate electricity. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has been speeding up the pace to activate the recently approved small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

It has provided the necessary legislation to achieve all options and bolster opportunities for building local content for the components needed for the local solar energy production.

King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) announced Thursday launching training programs over installation process of small-scale solar PV systems in the kingdom.

Four training centers have been authorized to offer the five-day training program, it said.

The accredited institutes are in Yanbu, Dammam, Riyadh, and Juaima’h and Baish.

Individuals wishing to obtain certificates to work in the field of designing or installing small-scale solar PV systems must attend an at least five-day training program at one of the centers.

Afterwards, they apply for the final test at the distribution service provider to obtain the qualification certificate in case they pass the training period.

The training certification program aims to ensure that the solar PV systems that are connected to the kingdom’s grid are designed and equipped by trained professionals with required competencies.

This serves several purposes and helps ensure the achievement of high levels of safety and security, adherence to the required technical standards, high quality of design and installation for clients and protection of the distribution system.

Earlier this week, the Saudi Ministry of Energy announced that the small-scale solar PV systems are ready to generate electricity for houses and enterprises, to be later connected to the kingdom’s grid.

It also announced providing consumers with an easy-to-use e-calculator that helps in analyzing the financial and technical aspects of the estimated installation cost, as well as various other support services.

The project participants are the Ministry of Energy, the Electricity Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA), Ministry of Municipality and Rural Affairs (MoMRA), Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MOCI), KACARE and Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).

Meanwhile, ECRA announced the launch of the “Shamsi” portal for the PV system.

The new portal informs consumers of the economic feasibility and estimated costs of installing a solar energy system in a home or business before connecting it to the public electrical network, ECRA said in a statement.

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Aramco, Sinopec and Yasref Sign Venture Framework Agreement for Petrochemical Expansion

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Aramco, Sinopec and Yasref Sign Venture Framework Agreement for Petrochemical Expansion

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

Saudi Aramco, China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), and Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refining Company (Yasref) announced the signing of a Venture Framework Agreement (VFA) to pave the way for a major petrochemical expansion at Yasref, in Yanbu, on the west coast of Saudi Arabia.
According to a press release from Aramco, the agreement, coinciding with Yasref's 10th anniversary, seeks to advance engineering studies for the development of a fully integrated petrochemical complex at Yasref, a joint venture owned by Aramco (62.5%) and Sinopec (37.5%). The project aims to maximize operational synergies and create additional value by introducing a state-of-the-art petrochemical unit, a large-scale mixed feed steam cracker with a 1.8 million tons per year capacity, and a 1.5 million tons per year aromatics complex with associated downstream derivatives integrated into the existing Yasref complex. This is expected to enhance Yasref's ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality petrochemical products, SPA reported.
President and CEO of Saudi Aramco Amin H. Nasser said, "The Yasref Venture Framework Agreement further deepens and elevates our strategic partnership with Sinopec. The planned expansion project solidifies our commitment to product innovation and diversification. As we look forward to strengthening our collaboration with Sinopec in making Yasref a leading refining and petrochemicals joint venture, we aim to contribute to growing Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in energy and chemicals."
Aramco Downstream President Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani stated, "The planned Yasref expansion aligns with our downstream strategy to unlock the full potential of our resources, including converting up to four million barrels per day of crude oil into petrochemicals by 2030. In partnership with Sinopec, we aim to advance cutting-edge refining and petrochemical capabilities to deliver high-value products, create new opportunities, drive industrial innovation, and enable economic transformation. This highlights our strategic, long-term partnership with Sinopec."
Sinopec President Zhao Dong emphasized, "Yasref, a flagship joint venture symbolizing China-Saudi energy cooperation, has not only served as a key driver for Saudi Arabia's local economic growth but also actively advanced petrochemical industry upgrades. We expect the Yasref expansion project to unlock new dimensions of collaborative potential as we navigate the energy transition. Sinopec and Aramco are poised to establish a world-class, integrated refining and petrochemical complex distinguished by comprehensive competitive advantages, aiming to redefine traditional energy cooperation models and expand new frontiers for more sustainable development."
The release also noted that Yasref is one of several strategic partnerships between Aramco and Sinopec. These collaborations include Sinopec Senmei (Fujian) Petroleum Company (SSPC), Sinopec SABIC Tianjin Petrochemical Co. (SSTPC), Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Company (FREP), and a new integrated refining and petrochemical complex under development in Fujian Province, China. Through these ventures, the two groups aim to strengthen energy security, fuel industrial innovation, foster long-term cooperation, and contribute to the global economy.