Saudi Arabia to Develop 2.8-GW Solar-plus-BESS Project

ACWA Power and Bapco Energies have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop a large-scale solar power plant with battery energy storage in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. With a projected capacity of up to 2.8 GW, the project will be built in several phases. Once operational, all electricity generated will be transmitted to Bahrain—specifically to Bapco Energies’ load centers—effectively enabling the export of clean energy from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain.

The agreement was formally announced during the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council meeting in December 2025.

Under the terms of the JDA, both parties will collaborate on developing the multi-phase solar facility, with the full output dedicated to meeting Bahrain’s national energy requirements and supporting its transition to renewable sources. The initiative is expected to reinforce Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a regional energy export hub while helping partner countries pursue emissions-reduction targets.

Aligned with the Bahrain National Energy Strategy, the project focuses on improving energy-demand efficiency, diversifying the national energy mix—including renewables—and ensuring secure, competitive energy access. By enabling cross-border clean-energy flows, the JDA strengthens broader GCC energy cooperation. For ACWA Power, the project expands its international renewable-energy portfolio and reinforces its leadership in advancing the regional energy transition.

Raad Al Saady, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ACWA Power, said: “This joint agreement with Bapco Energies is a testament to the strong bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and our shared commitment to a sustainable and secure energy future. The project aligns not only with Vision 2030 but also with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and its national ambitions to expand clean energy and accelerate its net-zero pathway. We extend our appreciation to the Ministry of Energy in Saudi Arabia for its continued guidance. ACWA Power is proud to help advance a project that strengthens regional energy security and accelerates the shift to renewable power.”

Mark Thomas, Group CEO of Bapco Energies, added: “This agreement marks another important milestone in our journey towards energy diversification and regional collaboration. By working alongside ACWA Power, Bapco Energies is taking a bold step to ensure long-term energy security for the Kingdom of Bahrain while unlocking the power of renewables.”