As a starting step of relying on other sources of energy instead of oil, Layla Solar Power Project came with special abilities to provide Saudi with clean solar power. In this article we’re going to discover this amazing project with all details.
About Layla Solar Power Project
With the futuristic ambitions of Saudi to create clean sources of energy, Layla Solar Power Project came as the first solar power plant in Saudi Arabia.
It was established in 2018 and fully completed in 2019 and connected directly with the National Electricity Company, including 720,000 Sqm of total area that provides large quantities of energy.
It’s worthy to mention that the Layla Project is entering a new level of development in 2024, in a partnership with ACWA Power, as a part of the third round of the National Renewable Energy Program in Saudi Arabia .
Where is Layla Solar Power Project Location?
This project is located in the southern part of Riyadh, specifically in Al Aflaj governorate. Almost 200 km far from the capital.
Production Capacity of Layla Solar Power Project
The project’s production capacity was divided into multiple phases like the following:
- The first phase covered 10% of the governorate needs with 10 MW in 2019.
- The second phase was in 2024 with a productivity of 91 MW.
Till 2030, Saudi seeks to lower the dependence on fossil fuels as a main source of energy, in addition to create innovative clean and renewable energy sources, especially with the new solar power projects, such as Jeddah Solar Power Project.
Objectives of Layla Independent Solar PV Project
As a project that wants to achieve the noble ambitions of the Kingdom, it aims to accomplish the following:
- Diverse energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Produce an independent energy,connect it with the National Electricity Company and cover the residents’ needs.
- Contributing to reduce carbon emissions from conventional energy sources.
- Reducing energy costs and ensuring economic efficiency in line with the objectives of the third phase of the National Renewable Energy Program.
Layla Solar Power Project Phases
As we mentioned before, this project comprised two main phases, so let’s discover them.
First Phase
This phase started in August of 2018, finished in 2019 with a total power of 10 MW, covering 10% of the total electricity needs of residents in the governorate.
It was the fruitful implementation of the agreement between the Saudi Technic Energy Co. STE and the Saudi Electricity Company. This was a reflection of the futuristic visions.
At the end of this phase, Grupo TYPSA, a spanish company undertook the design and the engineering supervision of the project, preparing it for the next phase.
Second Phase
In 2024, the project was relaunched through a new facility known as Layla PV IPP, as a part of the third phase of the National Renewable Energy Program in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with ACWA Power.
This phase has a production capacity of 91 MW, with an estimated total cost of approximately 401 million SAR.
The Economical Benefits of Layla Independent Solar PV Project
Layla Solar Power Project impacts on numerous fields and sectors, especially the economical ones. These are the benefits:
- Diversifying energy sources and supporting the goals of 2030 vision.
- Independent power generation connected to the National Electricity Company.
- Meeting local demands of Al Afraj governorate’s electricity needs.
- Reducing carbon emissions and supporting environmental sustainability.
- Achieving economic efficiency by reducing long term energy costs.
Also read about the Rabigh Solar Power Project.
Finally, the Layla Solar Power Project is just a part of numerous projects that aim to accomplish futuristic energy sustainability. Through Bayut Blog, you can discover all what you need to know about Saudi’s investments and economy.
