A delegation of 20 UK renewable energy companies are seeking means to transfer expertise and production technologies to contribute to producing 59 gigawatts of wind power in Saudi Arabia, in hope that partnerships would be forged to localize this industry in the coming years.
During the Saudi-British Forum on renewable energy held in Riyadh on Wednesday, the British delegation looked into the Saudi potentials in terms of natural resources that produce solar and wind energy.
The CEO of Saudi British Joint Business Council, Chris Hawkins, told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the forum revealed great opportunities that will pave the way for partnerships in renewable energy generation and the transfer of relevant expertise and technology."
Hawkins noted that the British firms currently focus on contributing to giant projects launched lately by the kingdom, namely producing 59 gigawatts of wind power according to Saudi Vision 2030.
Meetings were held during the past three days with relevant official Saudi parties including ACWA Power, the General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REPDO), SABIC, and the Council of Saudi Chambers, he added.
Saudi Arabia enjoys high competitiveness in the energy sector, Hawkins continued.
He stressed Britain’s support to Saudi projects and future programs in all its phases and fields. Further, trade exchange between the UK and Saudi Arabia amounts GBP10 billion, Hawkins added.
Nasser al-Mutawa, the co-chairman of the Saudi British Joint Business Council and head of Saudi-British Forum at the Council of Saudi Chambers, told the newspaper that this forum has provided the British party with rich and persuasive information.
The British delegation was introduced to the Saudi investment environment and regulations, he added.