Renewable Energy in Saudi Arabia: Progress and the Road Ahead
September 2026
Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy transition is becoming increasingly visible through operating power plants, large development projects, and investment in energy storage. The direction is clear: renewable electricity is becoming an important part of the Kingdom’s energy future.
Where does the Kingdom stand?
An official update published by the Saudi Press Agency around the end of 2025 reported nearly 64 gigawatts of renewable energy projects under development, with approximately 12.3 gigawatts already connected to the national grid. These figures describe different stages of progress: development capacity includes projects that are not yet generating electricity. [1]
Saudi Arabia’s stated ambition is for renewable energy and natural gas to each contribute around 50% of the electricity generation mix by 2030. This is a future target, rather than the current renewable share. [2]
A growing solar and wind pipeline
One indication of the scale ahead is the financial close announced by ACWA Power, Badeel, and SAPCO for seven solar and wind projects totaling 15 gigawatts. Their expected operating dates fall in the second half of 2027 and the first half of 2028. Financing these projects is a significant milestone, while construction and commissioning remain essential steps before they deliver electricity. [3]
Storage is becoming part of the story
Generating renewable electricity is only one part of the transition. Delivering it when consumers need it also requires storage and a flexible electricity system.
A practical example is the Red Sea destination. In September 2026, ACWA announced commercial operation of its integrated utilities system, combining 340 MWac of solar power with 1,227 MWh of battery storage to supply the destination without a national grid connection. [4]
What should we watch next?
In my view, the most useful indicators are how much capacity enters operation, how much electricity it produces, and how effectively it integrates with the grid. Project announcements show ambition; operating performance shows delivery.
Saudi Arabia has established a substantial renewable energy pipeline. The next chapter will be defined by turning that pipeline into reliable electricity, alongside opportunities for Saudi engineers, suppliers, and service companies.
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