
ACWA Power is a leading developer, owner, and operator of power generation and desalination plants. They have a strong global presence.
The company has a diverse portfolio of projects across the Middle East, North Africa, and South East Asia. They have a presence in over 13 countries.
ACWA Power is known for its innovative approach to water and power generation. Their projects aim to provide clean water and energy to communities in need.
From solar and wind power to desalination and water treatment, ACWA Power's projects are designed to be sustainable and efficient.
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Projects
ACWA Power has been at the forefront of renewable energy projects across the globe. They developed Saudi Arabia's first major solar project, Sakaka IPP, located in the north of the Kingdom.
ACWA Power's portfolio includes several notable projects. The Bokpoort Independent Power Project in South Africa is a 50 MW concentrated solar power plant with 9.3 hours thermal storage, which commenced commercial operations in December 2015.
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In Morocco, ACWA Power developed the Noor solar complex in Ouarzazate, which comprises 510 MW of CSP capacity and 135 MW of solar PV. The complex was the largest CSP complex globally as of 2019.
Here are some of ACWA Power's notable projects:
- Bokpoort Independent Power Project, South Africa (50 MW CSP)
- Sakaka IPP, Saudi Arabia (300 MW solar)
- Noor solar complex, Morocco (510 MW CSP, 135 MW solar PV)
- Noor I, II, III, IV, Morocco (160 MW, 200 MW, 150 MW, 135 MW CSP and solar PV)
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum Solar Park, Dubai (200 MW CSP, 950 MW CSP)
- Taweelah IWP, UAE (909,000 cubic meters per day desalination plant)
Experience
ACWA Power is a company that's been making waves in the renewable energy sector. With a turnover of $1.6 billion in 2024, it's clear that they're a force to be reckoned with.
Their portfolio is impressive, with 109 projects totaling 94 gigawatts of installed capacity - 52 GW of which comes from renewable sources. That's a significant chunk of clean energy!
ACWA Power is focusing on photovoltaic (PV) concentrated solar power (CSP) and wind power, as well as large-scale green hydrogen production. They're not just talking the talk, either - they've already invested in green hydrogen at a level that's unprecedented.
One of the key drivers behind ACWA Power's strategy is CEO Marco Arcelli's vision of an "energy quadrilemma" - energy that's accessible, sustainable, secure, and quick to implement. He's right, of course - if the transition to clean energy takes too long, it'll be too late.
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ACWA Power is leading the charge, having been mandated by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to lead 70% of the national renewable energy programme. That's a big responsibility, but they're up for the challenge.
Here are some of the countries where ACWA Power has active or developing projects:
- Senegal
- Mauritania
- South Africa
- Malaysia
- Indonesia
- Philippines
They're also working to create a value chain between Saudi Arabia and Europe for the export of renewable energy and green hydrogen. That's a bold move, but it could pay off big time.
Sakaka IPP, Saudi Arabia
Sakaka IPP, Saudi Arabia is a significant solar project developed by ACWA Power. It's located in the north of the Kingdom and marked a major milestone for Saudi Arabia's renewable energy sector.
The project was awarded a 25-year power purchase agreement in February 2018, with a groundbreaking tariff of $0.0234 per kilowatt hour, setting a new world record at the time.
ACWA Power's achievement in securing the Sakaka IPP contract demonstrates the company's expertise in developing large-scale renewable energy projects.
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The project's success paved the way for future renewable energy investments in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the country's Vision 2030 goals.
Here are some key facts about the Sakaka IPP project:
- Location: North of the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia
- Capacity: 300MW
- Contract Award: February 2018
- Power Purchase Agreement: 25 years
- Tariff: $0.0234 per kilowatt hour
Redstone Solar Project, South Africa
The Redstone Solar Project in South Africa is a notable example of a large-scale solar energy initiative. It's a 100 MW concentrating solar power generation project that utilizes central tower technology with 12 hours of full-load energy storage.
The project was awarded to a consortium led by ACWA Power and the USA firm SolarReserve in January 2015. This consortium has a significant track record in the field of renewable energy.
Financing for the project was secured in October 2015, when the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) signed an agreement to make a US$400mn commitment of debt financing. This financial backing was a crucial step in bringing the project to fruition.
The total cost of the Redstone Solar Thermal Power Project is $1.2 billion. This investment will have a lasting impact on the energy landscape in South Africa.
Here's a brief overview of the project's key details:
- Project name: Redstone Solar Thermal Power Project
- Location: Northern Cape Province, South Africa
- Capacity: 100 MW
- Technology: Concentrating solar power with central tower technology
- Energy storage: 12 hours of full-load energy storage
- Cost: $1.2 billion
- Financing: $400mn debt financing from OPIC
Win Major Solar Projects in Morocco
ACWA Power is set to win major solar projects in Morocco, having placed the lowest bids for a large-scale solar photovoltaic complex in the country.
ACWA Power has a significant presence in Morocco, with several notable solar projects. In 2015, the company was awarded a €1.7 billion contract for two further solar power projects, Noor II and Noor III, in Morocco.
The Noor solar complex in Ouarzazate, Morocco, is a major solar energy hub, comprising 510 MW of CSP capacity and 135 MW of solar PV.
Here are some key facts about ACWA Power's solar projects in Morocco:
- Noor I has a generation capacity of 160 MW of electricity.
- Noor II and Noor III have a generation capacity of 200 MW and 150 MW respectively.
- Noor PV1 IPP consists of three photovoltaic plants with a capacity of 135 MW.
ACWA Power's experience in Morocco has been successful, and the company is now one of the largest global players in the renewable energy sector.
Hassyan Iwp, UAE
ACWA Power was selected in August 2023 to build and operate the first phase of the Hassyan IWP in Dubai, breaking the world record for the lowest levelized water tariff at $0.365 per cubic meter.
The 818,280 cubic-meter-per-day reverse osmosis plant will be partially powered by solar energy.
A water purchase agreement worth $914 million was signed in October 2023.
ACWA Power's involvement in the Hassyan IWP project showcases the company's commitment to innovative water solutions and sustainable energy practices.
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International Presence
ACWA Power has recently strengthened its ties with Europe by signing strategic agreements with international partners.
These agreements involve leading companies such as Edison (Italy), TotalEnergies Renewables (France), Zhero Europe (Italy), and EnBW (Germany).
A joint plan has been defined to assess the feasibility of large renewable energy plants for export and the implementation of energy corridors between the Middle East and Europe.
ACWA Power has also signed agreements with HVDC technology suppliers such as Prysmian, GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and Hitachi to develop advanced cross-border energy transmission infrastructure.
The "Yanbu Green Hydrogen Hub" is a key project developed with German partner EnBW, which will become commercially operational by 2030.
This integrated plant will feature renewable energy production, desalination, electrolysis, and an export terminal.
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Sustainability and Environment
ACWA Power is a leader in innovation and sustainability, with a commitment to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, in line with SDG 7.
The company's achievements are a testament to its dedication to a clean energy future. It has redefined the possible in the utility world and is shaping a sustainable future for generations to come.
ACWA Power's environmental commitment is impressive, with a goal to plant one million trees by 2030 as part of the Saudi Green Initiative. This commitment is already bearing fruit, with over 100,000 trees to be planted in 2024 alone.
The company's focus on green infrastructure is also noteworthy. It has established itself as the world's largest private water desalination company, a global leader in energy transition, and a first mover into green hydrogen.
ACWA Power invests in human capital, too, offering full scholarships to students through its Energy and Water Academy in Rabigh. This has already trained over 15,000 students in 17 technical specialisations.
The company's commitment to ensuring universal access to drinking water is critical, particularly in areas of high drought such as the Middle East. Its plants have a capacity of 9.9 million cubic metres of water per day.
ACWA Power's switch to reverse osmosis (RO) technology is a significant step forward, requiring less energy, being less carbon-intensive, and more economical than traditional methods. Every new project is preceded by an environmental and social impact study.
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News and Insights
ACWA Power has been making significant strides in the energy sector. They secured SAR11 billion in funding for a combined cycle project, according to the news on October 19. This is a huge milestone for the company, and it's no surprise they're expanding their operations.
Their affiliate, Qurayyah CCGT IPP expansion project, secured SAR 10.8 billion in financing on the same day. This project is a part of their larger plan to increase energy production and meet the growing demands of the region.
In other news, Kuwait unveiled a new 14-GW power project on September 28, which is a significant development for the country's energy sector. This project has the potential to meet a substantial portion of Kuwait's energy needs and reduce their reliance on imported energy sources.
Here are some key dates related to ACWA Power's recent developments:
- October 19: ACWA Power's affiliate secured SAR11 billion in funding for a combined cycle project.
- October 19: Qurayyah CCGT IPP expansion project secured SAR 10.8 billion in financing.
- September 28: Kuwait unveiled a new 14-GW power project.
Latest News:
ACWA Power has been making headlines with several significant announcements in recent weeks. One notable development is the financial close for the Qurayyah IPP expansion, which has secured funding of SAR11 billion.

Saudi Electricity Company has announced that the Hajar Two Electricity project has secured financial close for the Qurayyah IPP expansion. This is a major milestone for the project, which is expected to enhance the country's energy infrastructure.
Acwa Power's affiliate has secured SAR 10.8 billion in financing for the Qurayyah CCGT IPP expansion project. This significant investment is a testament to the company's commitment to driving growth and development in the region.
The Middle East has been experiencing a surge in stock market activity, with most Gulf stock markets gaining on prospects of a US rate cut. This has led to a rise in equities across the region, with Saudi Arabia nearing a two-year low.
Here is a summary of the recent announcements made by ACWA Power:
These developments demonstrate ACWA Power's continued commitment to driving growth and innovation in the region. With significant investments and partnerships in place, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Analysts' Consensus

Morgan Stanley has reduced its price target for ACWA Power Company multiple times, most recently on September 25.
Their rating remains Underweight, indicating a cautious outlook on the company's performance.
In contrast, Haitong International Research initiated coverage of ACWA Power with an Outperform rating on August 11.
JP Morgan upgraded its rating to Neutral on August 13, while also cutting its price target.
Morgan Stanley's previous reduction on July 2 maintained the Underweight rating.
EFG-Hermes Brokerage boosted ACWA Power's price target on March 25, but still reiterated a Sell rating.
Management and Governance
ACWA Power's management team is led by experienced professionals, including Marco Arcelli, the 54-year-old CEO who took office on March 20, 2023. He has a wealth of experience in the industry, and his leadership will be crucial in driving the company's growth.
The company has a strong finance team, with Abdulhameed Al-Muhaidib serving as the Director of Finance/CFO since August 28, 2022. Unfortunately, his age is not publicly disclosed.
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Mohammad Abunayyan is the Chairman of ACWA Power, a position he has held since June 21, 2008. At 63 years old, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.
Here is a brief overview of the management team:
ACWA Power also has a team of directors, including Omar Al-Midani and Esmail Al-Sallom, who have been serving as directors since June 17, 2018, and July 13, 2019, respectively.
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Managers and Directors
At ACWA Power Company, the leadership team consists of experienced individuals with a strong track record of success. The company's CEO, Marco Arcelli, has been in his role since March 20, 2023, and is 54 years old.
Marco Arcelli is supported by a team of seasoned professionals, including Abdulhameed Al-Muhaidib, who serves as the Director of Finance/CFO since August 28, 2022. Thomas Brostrom, the Chief Investment Officer, joined the company on September 30, 2023.
The company's Board of Directors is comprised of three members, each bringing their unique expertise to the table. The Chairman, Mohammad Abunayyan, has been in this role since June 21, 2008, and is 63 years old.
Here is a list of the company's top leadership team:
Analysts' Recommendations: Company

Analysts have been closely watching ACWA Power Company, and their recommendations are worth noting. Morgan Stanley has reduced their price target for ACWA Power, while keeping their rating at Underweight.
In August, JP Morgan upgraded ACWA Power to Neutral, but cut their price target. Haitong International Research took a more optimistic view, initiating coverage with an Outperform rating.
Morgan Stanley has reduced ACWA Power's price target multiple times, most recently in July. EFG-Hermes Brokerage, on the other hand, boosted the company's price target in March, while reiterating a Sell rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ACWA Power do?
ACWA Power develops, invests in, and operates power generation and water desalination plants, producing electricity and bulk water for communities. Its focus is on delivering essential energy and water solutions.
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