Collaboration Across Solar: Acwa Power & Jinko Solar

In the first episode of MESIA’s Collaboration Across Solar series, Fazle Moyeen Quazi, Vice President at Acwa Power, and Mohamed Saady Al-Dweik, Head of Technical Services & Product Management – MEA at Jinko Solar, explore how strategic collaboration is driving the future of solar in Saudi Arabia.

Together, they discuss their partnership on utility-scale solar projects, the importance of aligning with Vision 2030, and how technology, innovation, and execution are shaping renewable energy deployment across the region.

Questions for Jinko Solar

What led JinkoSolar to collaborate with ACWA Power on the Saudi PIF4 project? How does this 5.5GWac project align with your global strategy, particularly in the Middle East?

Our partnership with ACWA Power on the PIF4 project was driven by the opportunity to contribute to Saudi Arabia's ambitious renewable energy targets. ACWA Power's proven track record in developing large-scale projects in the region made them an ideal partner. This project is a significant step in our global strategy to supply high-efficiency solar modules to key markets committed to sustainability. The Middle East, with its high solar irradiance, is a crucial area for our growth.

What specific technologies and solutions is JinkoSolar bringing to the Haden and Al-Khushaybi projects? Could you elaborate on the advantages of using the N-type Tiger Neo series photovoltaic modules?

JinkoSolar is supplying our advanced N-type Tiger Neo series photovoltaic modules. These modules offer significant advantages, including higher efficiency, lower degradation rates, and a superior temperature coefficient, making them ideal for the region's demanding climate. The N-type technology enhances energy yield over the project's lifespan, maximizing electricity generation and providing a strong return on investment for these critical solar plants.

What were the biggest challenges JinkoSolar faced during the PIF4 project, and how did you overcome them? Were there particular difficulties related to Saudi Arabia’s harsh climate and sandstorm conditions?.

A key challenge in the PIF4 project was ensuring consistent quality and timely delivery of the massive module quantities required. We addressed this through rigorous quality control processes at our manufacturing facilities and proactive communication with all stakeholders to manage the supply chain efficiently. To mitigate challenges posed by Saudi Arabia's climate, we provided modules with robust designs and adhered to best practices for on-site handling and installation to ensure resilience against harsh conditions like high temperatures and dust.

Questions for ACWA Power

What specific role did ACWA Power play in the successful execution of this project? Can you share how your leadership facilitated the project's progress, especially under challenging conditions?

PIF4 is one of the largest PV transactions globally, with a capacity of 5.5 GWac which involves several groundbreaking achievements, including the first-ever full-capacity 2 GW online deployment in a single phase.
As the developer, investor, and operator, ACWA Power, alongside Badeel and Aramco, played a crucial role in delivering this project by:

• Managing complexity—structuring and executing one of the world’s largest PV projects.
• Ensuring seamless execution—leveraging our expertise to navigate regulatory, financial, and technical challenges.
• Driving innovation—pioneering new deployment strategies to enhance efficiency.

The projects are expected to be connected to the grid by Q2 next year.

How does this project align with ACWA Power’s broader strategy of promoting sustainable energy in the region? What milestones does this project help achieve in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030?

This project is a key pillar in ACWA Power’s commitment to sustainability and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by:

• Expanding Renewable Energy Capacity—directly contributing to the Kingdom’s target of 50% renewable energy in its energy mix.
• Driving Innovation—integrating advanced PV technology and energy storage solutions to optimize efficiency and grid stability.
• Economic & Local Content Contribution—creating jobs, developing local expertise and supporting industrial growth in the Kingdom.

How does this project enhance ACWA Power’s standing in the global renewable energy market? What new opportunities does this collaboration open up for your company?

This project strengthens ACWA Power’s global leadership in renewable energy by:

• Scaling Our Portfolio—ACWA Power is currently executing over 12 GW of renewable projects in the Kingdom, reinforcing our role in the global energy transition.
• Attracting Global Partnerships—demonstrating our capability to execute large Giga-scale renewable projects in collaboration with world-class technology providers and suppliers in the renewable energy sector.

Joint Questions

How did this project contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2060? What specific environmental and economic impacts are expected?

The project supports Saudi Arabia’s clean energy goals by significantly reducing CO₂ emissions, enhancing energy security, and lowering reliance on fossil fuels. It also drives economic growth through local job creation, supply chain development, knowledge transfer, and increased foreign investment.

What advice would you give to other companies looking to collaborate on large-scale renewable energy projects? What are the key factors in building a successful partnership?

Ensure strong alignment between all stakeholders, manage risks early, and embrace innovation. It’s also vital to engage local communities, comply with regulations, and select scalable, proven technologies that align with national strategies.

What are the next steps following the success of this project? Are there plans for further collaborations between JinkoSolar and ACWA Power?

ACWA Power and Jinko Solar plan to scale up renewable energy deployment and expand into high-potential markets across the region. Together, we’re advancing the next generation of high-efficiency PV modules, integrating energy storage solutions, and working toward the localization of manufacturing and technical expertise in Saudi Arabia. Continued knowledge transfer and innovation remain central to their joint efforts.