Saudi Arabia Starts Operating First Wind Turbine In Al-Jouf Region

FILE PHOTO: A power-generating windmill turbine is seen at the Eneco Luchterduinen offshore wind farm near Amsterdam, Netherlands September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A power-generating windmill turbine is seen at the Eneco Luchterduinen offshore wind farm near Amsterdam, Netherlands September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
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Saudi Arabia Starts Operating First Wind Turbine In Al-Jouf Region

FILE PHOTO: A power-generating windmill turbine is seen at the Eneco Luchterduinen offshore wind farm near Amsterdam, Netherlands September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A power-generating windmill turbine is seen at the Eneco Luchterduinen offshore wind farm near Amsterdam, Netherlands September 26, 2017. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo

Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday the operation of the first wind turbine to produce electricity in the Kingdom, marking a new era of serious transformation towards alternative and clean renewable energy.

The Saudi Ministry of Energy announced the start of the trial operation of the first turbine in the Dumat Al-Jandal project in Al-Jouf region (northern Saudi Arabia) to exploit wind energy in electricity production.

In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Energy said that the step comes within the implementation of one of the goals of Vision 2030, represented by the production of 50 percent of the Kingdom’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The Dumat Al-Jandal project in Al-Jouf region is a practical step to exploit wind energy in the production of electricity, and it is the first project in the Kingdom and the largest project of its kind in the Middle East.

The Ministry of Energy had earlier announced awarding the energy project to the alliance led by the French Electricity Company, EDF Energies Nouvelles, and the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar).

Saudi Arabia continues its endeavors towards the global race to adopt and develop work systems with renewable and alternative energy, at a time when it is leading giant projects that are environmentally friendly and enhance sustainability, such as the city of The Line in NEOM, and the Amaala and Red Sea tourism projects - the pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.



ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
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ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)

Saudi energy and water developer ACWA Power reported a 44% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, reaching SAR 427.15 million ($113.8 million), according to a disclosure filed with the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

The company attributed the strong performance primarily to higher total revenues, an increase in other operating income before impairment and other charges, a reduction in impairment expenses, and a rise in deferred tax balances. These gains were partially offset by increased costs in project development, general and administrative expenses, and financing charges.

ACWA Power’s revenue rose 57% in the quarter, reaching SAR 1.97 billion ($525.2 million), supported by growth across development and construction management services, operation and maintenance contracts, and electricity sales.

In a letter to investors, CEO Marco Arcelli emphasized that the company maintained strong momentum in developing new projects across all sectors during the first quarter.

These initiatives not only lay the foundation for stable future revenues and cash flows, but also contribute to earnings from procurement and construction management, reinforcing the company’s commitment to financial and operational growth, he noted.

Arcelli expressed optimism about the company’s long-term outlook, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen project development pipelines, improve procurement strategies, and streamline construction execution.

ACWA Power is building a solid platform for consistent and sustainable growth while remaining focused on delivering its strategic objectives, he stressed.

Among the company’s most significant recent projects are several in renewable energy and water. In the solar sector, ACWA Power is developing the Al-Muwayh solar power plant in Saudi Arabia with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts and an investment of approximately SAR 35 million. The plant is scheduled to begin operations under a long-term power purchase agreement starting in 2027.

The company is also working on the Al-Khushaybi solar plant, with a capacity of 35 megawatts.

In wind energy, ACWA Power is constructing the Bash wind farm in Uzbekistan, a 500-megawatt project expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. Another wind project in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s national energy company will have a capacity of 65 megawatts and is also scheduled for completion in 2025.

In the water sector, ACWA Power owns a 40% stake in the Taweelah desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest facilities of its kind with a daily capacity of 3 million cubic meters. The company also holds a 35% share in the Sudair solar project in Saudi Arabia, which will generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity.

ACWA Power has expanded its international footprint with recent acquisitions, including an 85% stake in Yanghe New Energy Technology in China. The company also acquired strategic assets in Egypt and Kuwait and is actively entering new markets while expanding its presence in existing ones.

The company continues to prioritize innovation and R&D, particularly in solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage. It is advancing new projects, increasing energy sales, and strengthening its global presence through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Italian firms and others in Africa and East Asia.

ACWA Power has also launched a new research and development center in Shanghai as part of its international growth strategy.