Saudi Arabia will float tenders for the construction of a 600MW solar project in Makkah. The project is part of the Kingdom’s wider plan to build a 2,600MW green energy project in the city, according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources.

The move is billed as an important step to achieving renewable energy goals in the Kingdom, as well as the optimal utilisation of energy and resources in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, according to Saudi Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources’ Khalid Al Falih. He made the statement after signing an agreement with Prince Khalid Al Faisal, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Advisor to the Emir of the Makkah region.

According to the statement, the 2,600MW Faisaliah Solar Power Project is being developed in stages by the Saudi Ministry of Energy, in coordination with the Development Authority of Makkah.

As per the terms of the deal, 600 MW will be offered by the Office of Renewable Energy Projects Development (REPDO) in a public competition, while the Public Investment Fund and its partners will implement 2,000 MW directly.