ELSEWEDY ELECTRIC for Power Transmission & Distribution has announced the successful completion and handover of the 348.6 MWp EL SAAD Solar Plant in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone for the company’s renewable energy expansion in the Gulf region. The project, located approximately 85 kilometres east of Riyadh, has now entered its operations and maintenance phase.

The EL SAAD Solar Plant represents ELSEWEDY ELECTRIC’s first utility-scale photovoltaic project in the Gulf and reflects the company’s strategic focus on strengthening its presence in fast-growing renewable energy markets while supporting Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition.

The company confirmed that it has received the Provisional Acceptance Certificate (PAC) for the project, which was developed in partnership with Jinko Power and Al Ghazala Energy Company Limited. The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) will serve as the project’s off-taker.

According to the company, the project was delivered significantly ahead of schedule. ELSEWEDY ELECTRIC completed the development in 16.5 months, compressing the originally planned 24-month timeline. The accelerated execution highlights the company’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capabilities and its ability to manage complex renewable energy infrastructure projects.

The solar plant has been integrated with the high-voltage grid and will be supported by comprehensive operations and maintenance services to ensure long-term operational efficiency and grid stability.

Several partners contributed to the project’s execution, including OCA Global as consultant, along with Elsewedy Transformers, Alfanar, Siemens Energy, and Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia.

Beyond the solar generation facility, the project scope included the development of a 33/132 kV high-voltage substation and the construction of a 600-metre overhead transmission line. The plant incorporates advanced photovoltaic technology, inverters, power conversion systems, high-voltage interconnection infrastructure, and protection and control systems to ensure reliable and efficient energy generation.

The EL SAAD Solar Plant is expected to serve as a benchmark for large-scale solar projects delivered through a fully integrated EPC model. Its execution required coordination across international procurement, logistics, customs clearance, and on-site construction activities in challenging desert conditions.

ELSEWEDY ELECTRIC also reported that the project was completed without injuries or lost-time incidents, reflecting strict adherence to occupational health and safety standards. The project additionally included vocational training programmes, technical workshops for local engineers, and operational training initiatives aimed at supporting workforce development in the Kingdom.