ACWA Power has commissioned Saudi Arabia’s first grid-connected renewable energy plant.

The 300MW Sakaka photovoltaic plant has commenced initial production under a pilot phase according to schedule, with full commercial operation to be achieved before the end of the year 2019.

It is the first utility-scale renewable energy project in the country under the King Salman Renewable Energy Initiative. Saudi Electricity Company is the offtaker.

The solar project established a 100% local employment rate within the first year of operation, with 90% of the workforce comprised of young workers in the Al Jouf region.

The PV plant also used over 30% of contractual local content during the construction and development phases.

ACWA Power chairman Mohammad Abunayyan said: “The successful energising of Sakaka PV independent power plant is a remarkable testament of the work progress that has been ongoing at the project.

“We are confident to deliver the project on schedule and commercial operation of the plant before the end of this year at the highest levels of quality, safety, and security.”

Abunayyan acknowledged the efforts of the partners of the project, including the support of the Ministry of Energy, represented by the Renewable Energy Project Development Office (REPDO), from the initial inception of the project to date, the Saudi Electricity Company and Al Gihaz Holding, the project partner.