Saudi Arabia is progressing in its renewable energy ambitions with the upcoming 1,500-megawatt Dawadmi Wind Independent Power Project in Riyadh province. The Saudi Power Procurement Company has set a bid submission deadline of 15 May for this initiative, which stands as the nation's largest wind IPP to date.

The Dawadmi project is a key component of Saudi Arabia's National Renewable Energy Programme , which began in 2017. This programme aims to diversify the country's energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To date, SPPC has tendered several wind IPPs, with Dawadmi being the fifth and most substantial. Eleven companies have been prequalified to bid as managing and technical members, reflecting strong international interest in Saudi Arabia's renewable energy sector.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to increase renewable energy's contribution to its power generation. In September 2024, SPPC launched a tender for 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy projects, including the Dawadmi wind project and several solar photovoltaic plants. These projects are structured on a build-own-operate basis, encouraging private sector participation and investment.

The Dawadmi project is part of a series of renewable energy ventures under the NREP's sixth round. Other notable projects in this round include the 1,400 MW Najran Solar IPP in the Southern province and the 600 MW Al-Ghat Wind Farm in Al Riyadh. These initiatives collectively demonstrate Saudi Arabia's commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure.

The Dumat Al Jandal Wind Farm, inaugurated in 2019, was Saudi Arabia's first and, until now, largest wind energy project, with a capacity of 400 MW. Developed by a consortium led by EDF Renewables and Masdar, it became operational in 2022, supplying electricity to approximately 70,000 homes and reducing carbon emissions. The Dawadmi project, at 1,500 MW, significantly surpasses Dumat Al Jandal in scale, marking a substantial advancement in the kingdom's wind energy capabilities.

Saudi Arabia's renewable energy ambitions are part of its Vision 2030 plan, aiming to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade. The development of large-scale projects like Dawadmi is crucial to achieving this target. Additionally, collaborations with international partners have been instrumental in advancing these goals. For instance, Marubeni Corporation and Ajlan & Bros have partnered to develop the Al-Ghat and Waad Al-Shamal wind projects, with capacities of 600 MW and 500 MW, respectively.