Recently, a consortium led by China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) officially signed three major EPC contracts for renewable energy projects with a project company established in cooperation with Saudi partners. The total contract value, equivalent to approximately RMB 19.554 billion, covers both wind and solar power, marking a new peak in China-Saudi Arabia energy cooperation. The signed projects include the 1GW Shaqira Wind Power Project (PIF Phase V), the 2GW Stella Wind Power Project (PIF Phase V), and the 2GW Furas Solar PV Project (PIF Phase VI). These achievements not only represent CEEC’s breakthrough in the Middle Eastern wind power market but also extend its track record in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy sector—to date, the total contracted value of CEEC’s projects in Saudi Arabia has exceeded RMB 80 billion.
From geographical layout to engineering planning, these three projects showcase significant strategic value and technical prowess. The Shaqira and Stella Wind Power Projects are located in the areas surrounding Riyadh Province and, upon completion, will jointly become the world’s largest onshore wind power project. The Furas Solar PV Project is situated north of Jeddah City in Mecca Province, complementing the wind power projects to form an integrated green energy landscape. All three projects encompass full-chain development from design, procurement, and manufacturing to commissioning. The construction periods range from 26 to 30 months, and limited notice to proceed agreements have already been signed. Commercial operation is expected to commence sequentially between the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028.
The three renewable energy projects include:
- Saudi PIF Phase V Shaqira 1GW Wind Power Project
- Saudi PIF Phase V Stella 2GW Wind Power Project
- Saudi PIF Phase VI Furas 2GW Solar PV Project
This signing marks CEEC’s first breakthrough in the Middle Eastern wind power market. It also represents another significant achievement following the Saudi PIF Phase II Al Shuaibah 2.6GW Solar PV Project and the PIF Phase IV Haden 2GW Solar PV Project, underscoring CEEC’s deepening involvement in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy market. The total contracted value of CEEC’s projects in Saudi Arabia has now surpassed RMB 80 billion.
The 1GW Shaqira and 2GW Stella Wind Power Projects are located approximately 140 km northwest and 200 km south of Riyadh city in central Saudi Arabia, respectively. Their scope includes design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, construction, and commissioning. The construction periods are 26 and 30 months, respectively. Upon completion, they will form the world’s largest onshore wind power project.
The 2GW Furas Solar PV Project is located about 85 km north of Jeddah city in Mecca Province, western Saudi Arabia. Its construction scope includes design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, construction, and commissioning, with a construction period of 26 months. Over its 25-year operational lifespan, the project is expected to generate a total of approximately 569.286 billion kWh of electricity, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 560 million tonnes.
The environmental and social value of these projects is equally remarkable. Over 25 years, the combined electricity generation of the three projects is estimated to reach about 569.286 billion kWh, equivalent to reducing CO₂ emissions by nearly 560 million tonnes—effectively creating a massive “green carbon sink” for Saudi Arabia. This achievement will provide crucial support for Saudi Arabia’s goal of achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030 and further aid the realization of its 2060 “net-zero” vision, supplying stable clean energy to over 2 million local households.
This collaboration is a vivid example of the deep alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. As a global leader in the energy and power industry, CEEC will leverage its integrated full-industry-chain advantages to promote the overseas expansion of Chinese technology, equipment, and standards. Following the model of the efficient execution demonstrated in the earlier Al Shuaibah 2.6GW Solar PV Project, CEEC aims to set an international benchmark for green infrastructure. Against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s accelerated energy transition and its planned $187 billion investment in clean energy, CEEC’s continued efforts not only consolidate its leading position in the Middle Eastern market but also drive China-Saudi Arabia economic and trade cooperation deeper into the green and low-carbon sector, contributing Chinese and Saudi wisdom and strength to the global energy transition.
