At least one country rich in oil and gas operations has decided to expand into wind energy.
Saudi Arabia—yes, the Saudi Arabia is planning to start construction this year on the country’s first wind project. It will happen as the kingdom’s newly established renewables agency will launch 11 solar and wind new tenders.
Reuters reports the chief executive of Saudi utilities developer Acwa Power confirms the 400 megawatt wind project will be awarded this year with construction to quickly follow.
“I expect it to be awarded and in financial close this year,” said Paddy Padmanathan of Acwa Power.
Saudi Arabia tendered the wind project along with a 300MW solar photovoltaic project in its first renewables round last year.
The Acwa Power executive expects at least two more wind projects and 8 solar projects to be tendered this year.