ACWA Power’s Strategic Investment in Turkey
Saudi Arabian energy giant ACWA Power is set to channel an impressive $2 billion into Turkey’s burgeoning renewable energy sector. The ambitious project involves constructing a 2 GW (gigawatt) solar power plant, underscoring ACWA Power’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
According to CNBC-E, ACWA Power is nearing the finalization of its solar energy venture in Turkey. The planned Solar Power Plants (SPPs) will be strategically located with 1 GW in Sivas and another 1 GW in Karaman.
Localization and Equipment Sourcing
Initially, ACWA Power intended to procure all necessary panels and equipment from China. However, following productive discussions between Turkish and Saudi officials, a localization agreement was reached. This stipulates that equipment from companies manufacturing within Turkey will be utilized, promoting local industry growth. ACWA Power is actively engaging with local manufacturers to solicit bids for the project.
The SPPs will benefit from a 30-year purchase guarantee, providing long-term security for the investment.
ACWA Power’s Continued Commitment to Turkey
This solar project is not ACWA Power’s inaugural venture in Turkey. The company previously marked its entry into the Turkish energy market with the establishment of a 950 MW natural gas power plant in Kırıkkale. Looking ahead, ACWA Power envisions expanding its solar investments in Turkey, potentially exceeding 2 gigawatts of additional capacity through future projects.
Current Solar Capacity and Market Leaders
Turkey’s solar energy landscape is rapidly evolving, with the country’s total installed solar capacity reaching 22.54 GW, as per EPİAŞ data. Among the notable projects, Kalyon Enerji has constructed Turkey’s largest solar power facility, a 1.35 GW plant capable of generating 3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. ACWA Power’s planned 2 GW SPPs will represent the largest solar investment by a single entity in Turkey.
ACWA Power’s international experience includes high-capacity solar projects across Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Uzbekistan, with Turkey now poised to join this esteemed roster of renewable energy initiatives.
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